MMDA clears Baclaran roads for night market

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority resumed its road clearing operations in Baclaran to give way for the night market project initiated by the Pasay City government.

Mayor Imelda Rubiano said the night market would be the first of its kind that would be allowed by the MMDA while Metro Manila is under the general community quarantine status.

“The night market that will begin on Nov. 27 will strictly observe stringent health protocols that include social distancing, body temperature checks, hand sanitization as well as designated entry and exit points,” she said.

The city chief executive said displaced vendors would be allowed to sell their wares starting at 5 p.m. along the service road of Roxas Boulevard and will close before 12 midnight.

At least 130 tents would be set up in the area.

The MMDA gave the nod to local executives to put up night markets in their respective areas as the government resumed its campaign clearing sidewalk. It stated that the project will also help affected sidewalk vendors do their business during the holiday season.

The agency would assist Metro Manila mayors in setting up night markets and provide proper places for merchants to keep them off the sidewalks.

The resumption of road clearing operation came eight months after the government decided to suspend the campaign due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. 

The MMDA with the help from police personnel and local enforcers started the road clearing operations along Mabuhay Lanes, which serves as alternate routes for private vehicles avoiding the congested Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said all illegally parked motor vehicles and illegal vendors, both in major and secondary roads, will be towed away and violators will be apprehended and slapped with corresponding fines and penalties.