Piles of garbage continue to greet visitors early at the Mangaldan Public Plaza in Pangasinan, prompting the local government to tighten monitoring and remind food stall owners to dispose of their waste properly.

According to plaza officials, trash often accumulates inside the plaza every morning despite repeated reminders to vendors to clean up and throw their garbage in designated areas. The problem, they said, has persisted even after several one-on-one talks with stall owners.

Mangaldan Public Plaza Supervisor Bong Lamsen said the situation has become a daily concern.

“’Yan ang problema namin, palaging maraming basura diyan. Kapag may mga dumadaan, ang baho kasi nga andaming basura,” he said.

To address the issue, the local government placed warning signs around the plaza stating that violators may be fined ₱500 for improper garbage disposal. However, officials said some vendors continue to ignore the rules.

“Ang tigas din ng ulo nila. May mga nilagay na tayo diyan para alam nila ang gagawin nila. Ang gusto lang natin dito ay malinis ang plaza natin,” Lamsen said.

Some vendors, however, said they are doing their part. Eddie Lliamzon, a food stall owner, said he makes sure to properly store and dispose of his trash and even pays for nightly garbage collection.

“Dito sa amin, talagang kapag may basura, inaayos ko na agad tapos itinatapon na lang doon sa may part ng tapunan,” he said.

To better monitor compliance, the local government has assigned personnel to watch over the plaza, in addition to regular security guards stationed in the area.

The local government continues to urge all vendors to act responsibly in disposing of their waste to help maintain cleanliness and order in the Mangaldan Public Plaza.