Tacloban City, Philippines — In a bid to reclaim public space and ensure pedestrian safety, Tacloban City’s government conducted a clearing operation along Justice Romualdez Street, Real Street, and Picas-San Jose Airport Road. The operation, led by the Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD), Tacloban City Engineering Office, and the Tacloban City Police Office, focused on removing illegal sidewalk vendors and obstructions.
This initiative aligns with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2024-053, which mandates local governments to maintain clear barangay roads and sidewalks. The enforcement also addresses challenges stemming from informal street vending—a phenomenon that grew after Typhoon Haiyan as displaced residents sought alternative incomes.
Tacloban authorities plan to continue their efforts to promote urban order and pedestrian accessibility, with further educational sessions for vendors on the importance of securing permits and complying with regulations.