Some vendors said they are uncertain whether business will resume but Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao said the vendors can go back to business today.
Faisao said the street market had to be suspended last week because they needed to update their records and see to it that the vendors had complied with all the requirements.
“We have to ensure that all the vendors have business permits and they comply with the sanitation permits, food handler’s certificates for those who sell food,” he said.
He added that they also updated the records of vendors who sell handicrafts, jewelry and other souvenir items using shells to check if they have the necessary permits from the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Faisao denied reports that some illegal vendors had been selling food and other items in the street market.
Variety received reports that there had been issues regarding the collections and payments from vendors and that six vendors had been “kicked out” for not having permits.
“We did not kick out any vendor from the street market because everybody there is complying with our requirements,” Faisao said.
Vendors said they pay $45 per stall every Thursday.
To date, Faisao said the street market has a total of 42 vendors selling food, handicrafts, fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, processed food and other items.
