Advocacy
1. Environmental
2. Philippines. Specific Place/Area
3. Issue or Concern that's also happening globally
key points/words/topic :
● Manila
● Livelihoods of Street Vendors
● Comparison of a Short Term Solution and a Long Term Solution
● Cleanliness and Hygiene
● Mayoral term of Mayor Isko Moreno in Manila
source : here
—
Restoring order and cleanliness became the top priority of Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno after being
re-elected as mayor of Manila. On his first day in office, June 30, one of his first actions was the
immediate launch of a city-wide flushing and street-cleaning operation across key districts in
the city coinciding his declaration of a State of Health Emergency.
However, behind these cleaning operations is paving the way for clearing operations that
have direct and adverse impacts on the livelihoods of street vendors, especially those on
sidewalks. Accordingly, the said operation is part of the implementation of the “Zero Vendor
Policy,” which considers street vending illegal.
—
Illegal vs informal
Moreno has directed several departments, particularly the Hawkers Division, the Department of
Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), and the
Department of Public Services (DPS), to ensure that public roads and alleys remained free of
“illegal vendors.”
The said policy was strictly enforced in areas such as Palanca, Blumentritt, Soler, Juan Luna,
Linao, Carriedo, Avenida, Plaza Miranda Square, Padre Faura, and Pedro Gil.
According to Rena Cañete, advocacy director of Defend Jobs Philippines, street vending is
part of the informal economy and should not automatically be considered illegal.
According to the International Labour Organization, about two billion or 61.2% of the global
workforce are currently engaged in informal employment. These workers often lack legal
protection, social security, and stable income, which limits economic growth and
deepens inequality. Such descriptions closely reflect the situation of Manila’s street
vendors.
Meanwhile, along Carriedo and Recto, “informal services” like fake document production are
well-known. According to a vendor who asked for anonymity, police officers and city hall staff
extort bribes in exchange for letting vendors operate.
There have long been reports of extortion targeting vendors without permits, particularly where
barangay tanods, police, or clearing teams demand unofficial “hawker fees.”
Although Manila regulates fees for market stalls, these are supposed to apply only to formal
vendors in designated markets. Additionally, the Manila Stall Fee Policy, which was
introduced as early as the 1970s, does not cover street vendors. However, many vendors
continue to be charged under the guise of cleanliness or order.
—
“We’re not against the mayor’s policies…”
For Manila vendors, they support Moreno’s call for a clean and orderly city, but not when
the policies put their livelihood at risk.
“Sana mabigyan kami ni Yorme ng pwesto kung saan kami talaga pwede magtinda. Kasi
kami yung mga vendor na nasa bangketa, kahit dalawang bilao lang. Konti lang ang
tinutubo namin, kung iuupa pa namin, sana yung abot kaya lang,” (Just like in Pasig)
—
Who else is affected?
Manila street vendors shared the same demand for proper consultation and dialogue, as well as
designated spaces to continue their livelihood.
Another group impacted by clearing operations includes the tricycle drivers in the Hipodromo
area, or HITODA (Hipodromo Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association), which further
demands a permanent terminal and safe routes. Such a demand is also not far from what the
Manila vendors assert: a permanent, secure space to continue their livelihood.
Overview/Point/Summarization
— Manila's efforts to improve street cleanliness involve a "Zero Vendor Policy" to remove
vendors from busy areas, but this also causes displacement for many vendors who rely
on the informal economy. While some other Philippine cities have successfully integrated
vendors through designated spaces and standardized stalls, Manila struggles with this approach
due to the sheer number of vendors and a lack of political will for dedicated facilities. The focus
is often on clearing the streets for urban order rather than providing alternatives or
long-term solutions for vendors.
— Street vending is still viewed by Filipinos as a temporary fallback, in what Maulit described as
“the lifeline in a crisis”, rather than a legitimate, skilled profession. Without that cultural
legitimacy, vendors remain excluded from long-term urban planning and economic policy.
— “In Manila, what I would see as a problem is that although there would be seasonal clearing
of the streets, alternatives were not provided (for vendors),” Some Philippine cities have
shown it can be done. Nearby urban centres like Pasig and Quezon City have designated
vending spots in pedestrian corridors and transport terminals, rolling out a system that
includes standardised food carts and stalls, sanitation and safety checks.
—
How is this connected globally? source here
1. Other countries are as well experiencing this issue or concern.
2. “Cooperates Build a Better World“ – the concept is suitable for the theme.
Providing solutions to global challenges, fostering inclusive and sustainable
development through a people-centered model. Highlights how cooperatives, with
their values of democracy, equity, and solidarity, contribute to decent work, food
security, social protection, and environmental sustainability, strengthening
communities and empowering members.
3. While other Southeast Asian capitals have turned street vendors into tourist
draws and pillars of local food culture, the Philippines has never built the
infrastructure, policies or public attitudes needed for such a system to thrive in
most urban centres. Instead, vendors here remain in a constant cycle of
displacement and return, tolerated but rarely integrated.
4. Unlike Thailand, where street cooking is a celebrated art, or Singapore, where
hawker fare has earned Michelin stars, the Philippines has no national body to set
standards or reward excellence in street food.
❗ Won’t focus on Isko Moreno's term or him as a mayor, because that
would be too political or controversial for pise. But the focus is on how
street vendors in Manila should have a permanent or designated place (a
long term solution and not a short term solution) so that Manila wouldn't be
messy, that it's a step for a clean environment in Manila.