On November 10, 2021, during the regular session, which was presided over by the Honorable City Vice Mayor, Alfredo Pablo “Alf” Ortega, the Sanggunian members passed a resolution allowing the Handicraft Association vendors of the City to sell their goods at the City Plaza until December 31, 2021. The implementation of the resolution is subject to designation of proper selling areas and observance of established health and safety protocols.

The members of the Handicraft Association vendors wrote a letter to Vice Mayor Ortega, requesting that they be allowed to sell Christmas decorations and gift items at the City Plaza from November 8 to December 31, 2021. In addition, the handicraft vendors also requested that they be allowed to sell at the basketball court area of the City Plaza. The vendors claimed that it would be more difficult to comply with the minimum health and safety protocols at the bleacher area due to its narrow and elevated structure.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod recognizes the fact that Christmas is a joyful season that is celebrated from December to January of the following year; and Christmas decorations and acts of gift giving brighten and add joy to the celebration of the season. Moreover, allowing the members of the Handicraft Association to sell their items during the Christmas season will give them hope of earning income that will help ease the burden and feelings of despondency that they had endured and continue to endure.