Allowing trade fairs in Baguio parks, roads

>> Saturday, March 4, 2023

 EDITORIAL


The Baguio City Council has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance that would remove restriction on conduct of trade fairs in city-owned or city-managed public parks, roads, and facilities. The proposed ordinance shall amend Section 2 of Ordinance No. 12, series of 2012 (Further amending trade fair ordinance of 1994).
    Section 2 of the existing ordinance says conduct of trade fairs for a period of not exceeding 15 days is allowed only in “suitable” private places.
    However, the phrase “in suitable private places only and to totally disallow the conduct of trade fairs and other similar activities in all city-owned or city-managed public parks, including government owned and controlled property and facilities” found in Section 2 is removed in the proposed amendment.
    The proposed revision of section 2 reads as follows: “It is hereby declared a policy of the Local Government of Baguio to regulate trade fairs in the City of Baguio by allowing the conduct of trade fairs that promote agricultural, industrial, indigenous and commercial products, crafts and other merchandise through inter-regional trading that will foster better livelihood opportunities, enhance local tourism, and help advance economic development for a period of not exceeding 15 days in suitable private places and city-owned or city managed public parks including government owned and controlled properties, roads and facilities.” 
    The explanatory note of the proposed ordinance states the proposed amendment seeks to “further spur such activities like trade fairs in Baguio City and help alleviate plight of micro, small, medium scale entrepreneurs.”
    “The adverse economic situation as an effect of the Covid-19 pandemic compelled various personalities and organizations to showcase and promote their products and services to the general public through trade fair activities,” the explanatory note reads.
    The amendatory ordinance, once enacted, shall no longer require trade fair exhibit organizers to do the following: register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); submit a BIR clearance as a requirement; and furnish BIR a copy of the terminal report detailing the activities undertaken, issues or problems encountered, and sales performance per exhibitor/participant.
    The proposed ordinance has been referred to the city council’s committee on market, trade, commerce, and agriculture for review.
    The committee’s review is awaited. The proposed ordinance should be very clear on its provisions.
    This considering the complaint of some Baguio folks that the night market should not have been allowed along Harrison Road as it impeded traffic over the years considering the adage, “Roads are beyond the commerce of man.”

0 comments:

  © Blogger templates Palm by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP  

Web Statistics