Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) on Baguio government’s plan to clear sidewalks of newspaper stands

 Statement

    They too are messengers of information, do not make their lives more miserable.
    The BCBC is one with sidewalk newspaper vendors in protest to the plan to get rid of them, treating them as eyesores on the streets.
    The newspaper vendors contribute to the local economy and in a way, play a big role in the delivery of news and information.
    Since the local community and national newspapers came into existence in the City of Baguio, newspaper vendors have become a partner to the media.
    Without them, local and national newspapers will not thrive and gain readership.
    Like journalists who struggle to make a living, small newstand vendors stay on the streets everyday selling.
    These vendors get daily income from commissions depending on how many newspapers they sell.
    As responsible citizens, they pay the government permits, pooling money from their meager income.
    Newstands do not obstruct as vendors make sure newstands are against the wall of the sidewalks or establishments.
    It is sad to hear that they are being given up to Dec. 20, 2020 to vacate the areas they have occupied for decades.
    It will be hard for them to talk to business owners to allow them to sell inside their establishments plus, rent will be unaffordable for these small time vendors.
    Most will stop selling newspapers and when they do, the chain of information to the public will now be cut.
    For decades, newspaper vendors have proven to be essential to the flow of news and information.
    They should not be treated as eyesores.