Shoppers flock to Baclaran, Divisoria as Christmas nears

Crowds headed to Baclaran on Wednesday for some last-minute Christmas shopping and to attend the weekly novena Mass at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

According to a report by Tina Panganiban-Perez on "24 Oras," since it was a church day in Baclaran, cars could park along the Roxas Boulevard service road, but the vendors and pedestrians were also already congesting the area.

But since only vendors with permits are allowed around Baclaran Church, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) would push back and warn those who were almost in the middle of the street.

“Yung mga vendors ay patatabihin lang yung sasakop sa kalsada ay papa-alisin para makadaan naman yung mga sasakyan,” said Alberto Babas, MMDA MPC Group Team Leader.

Baclaran is known for having ready-to-wear clothes, such as T-shirts, for only P180. Sales are still low compared to before the pandemic, but vendors expect them to increase as the New Year approaches.

“Pag December naman po binababaan naman namin yung ano kasi binababaan din po ng mga hino-whole sale-an namin,” said Diana Chavez, a vendor.

Meanwhile, last-minute Christmas shopping is also in full swing in Divisoria, Manila.

The authorities reminded the public to maintain health protocols for their safety, and 40 police officers will be patrolling the area 24 hours a day. Police also asked shoppers not to bring young children or elderly companions if possible to crowded places. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News