In a direct move to address growing environmental concerns, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso has issued a strict order targeting littering and improper waste disposal by street vendors and businesses along the popular R.T. Lim Boulevard.
Mayor's On-the-Ground Appeal for Cleanliness
On the night of Friday, January 2, 2026, Mayor Olaso took to the boulevard with a megaphone, personally engaging with street vendors, food truck operators, and promenaders. He expressed clear frustration over the persistent littering problem despite ongoing city-wide cleanup efforts.
Olaso emphasized that the improper disposal of solid and liquid wastes is a primary contributor to environmental issues like flooding and sea pollution in Zamboanga City. He made a heartfelt appeal for collective action and cooperation with the city government's initiatives.
Strict Directives and Warnings Issued
The mayor's directive is clear: the Task Force Ordinance is now authorized to penalize and disallow street vending operations if peddlers are caught littering or illegally dumping waste in public areas. This order is particularly focused on the R.T. Lim Boulevard area.
"I allow you to do business here free of charge, but please clean up your surroundings and do not throw garbage, oil, and water anywhere," Olaso stated, addressing the vendors directly. He also warned shop owners against dumping water or oil on street corners, citing the resulting stench and pollution.
His core message was one of community: "Nothing good will happen in Zamboanga City if we don't work together." He also called on citizens enjoying the boulevard to dispose of their trash properly in designated bins.
Enforcement and Penalties to be Implemented
To ensure compliance, Mayor Olaso has instructed Gerry Pollisco, the acting chief of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), along with the Task Force Ordinance members, to implement drastic measures.
The mayor was unequivocal about the consequences: any person or street vendor who refuses to follow the law upon the orders of authorities or deputized personnel should be penalized. This firm stance underscores the city's commitment to transforming public behavior and safeguarding the local environment from further degradation.
