By Xander Ledesma
The Road Clearing Joint Task Force launched its first operation of the year today, focusing on Brgy. Bagacay, a busy district near the Eastern Visayas Medical Center. The operation aimed to remove illegal vendors occupying restricted areas, a recurring issue that city officials are determined to address as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure clear and accessible roads for the public.
Led by Noli Naval, the task force is responsible for ensuring that public spaces, particularly roadways, remain unobstructed to allow for safer and more efficient traffic flow. Today’s operation was a response to the resurgence of illegal vendors who have once again set up shop in prohibited areas, despite previous efforts to clear them out.
Brgy. Bagacay has long been a hotspot for illegal vending, given its proximity to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center. This area experiences high pedestrian and vehicular traffic, making it an attractive location for street vendors. However, their presence has created bottlenecks, impeding the smooth movement of pedestrians and vehicles and posing safety risks, especially in an area with many medical facilities.
These road-clearing operations are part of Tacloban’s broader initiative to address concerns about road obstruction, traffic congestion, and public safety. These efforts align with national directives, such as the government’s road clearing program launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which aims to reclaim public roads for their intended use.
This initiative, first introduced under President Duterte’s administration in 2019, called for the immediate clearing of roads, sidewalks, and other public spaces from illegal structures and vendors. While the national road clearing program initially garnered significant attention, local governments like Tacloban have continued these efforts into 2025, ensuring that public roads remain accessible and free from encroachment.
However, the task force’s work is far from over. According to Naval, several more areas have been scheduled for clearing operations in the coming weeks, with the Downtown area emerging as a top priority.
The Downtown area, which is home to various businesses, government offices, and commercial establishments, often becomes congested due to the presence of street vendors. While many vendors rely on street sales for their livelihoods, the city emphasizes the importance of relocating them to designated areas to prevent negative impacts on traffic and public safety.
While the primary focus of the road-clearing operations is on removing obstructions, Tacloban officials also recognize the need to balance the interests of vendors with public safety and traffic regulations. In previous operations, local government units have worked to provide alternative spaces for street vendors, often creating designated market zones where they can sell their goods without obstructing traffic.
As the task force continues its work in the coming weeks, the city government plans to review its strategies for accommodating vendors while ensuring that public roads remain clear and safe.
The Road Clearing Joint Task Force is composed of various local government agencies, including the city’s traffic management office, law enforcement, and barangay leadership. These teams collaborate closely during operations to ensure a coordinated approach to road clearing.