The local government of General Santos City has prohibited ambulant vendors from setting up stalls on sidewalks near the Central Public Market as the holiday season approaches.

Vendors, many of whom sell fruits and vegetables, almost occupied a major portion of Casquejo Street beside the Central Public Market.

According to the city government, even vendors with permits and those assigned to stalls inside the market set up outside, doubling the number of sidewalk vendors.

“Kay, siyempre, maunhan sila sa mga laray vendor. So mideoble ang mga laray vendor,” City Administrator, Shandee Llido Pestaño, said.

To address the problem, the local government has banned ambulant vendors from selling in the area starting December 1, 2025.

“Secondly, gi-warn na pud mi sa DILG nga dapat ang mga dalan will serve its function sa mga pedestrian ug sa mga sakyanan,” Pestaño added.

The ban is also intended to address traffic congestion in the area and ensure that streets are accessible to pedestrians and vehicles.

“Dapat balik sila sa ilang pwesto… and then, katung mga ambulant nga naglaray na mu-stick sa oras, kay naghatag man ta 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., pwede man gyud sila maglaray… ang nahitabo man gud karon, as early as 3 o’clock in the afternoon na sila so nagko-cause og congestion sa traffic,” Pestaño said.

The local government said violators will face penalty and their goods will be confiscated.

However, several ambulant vendors expressed concern as many of them have been selling in the area for nearly 40 years.

“Wala gyud mi kaadtuan ba unya diri man mi nagakuha sa among panginabuhian**,”** an ambulant vendor, Lolita Arban, said.

“Maaepektuhan ba mi sir, ba, kay unsa na lang amo panginabuhi kung pahawaon mi diri,” another ambulant vendor, Rosie Burlasa, said.