City Mayor Matabalao Unveils New Stall Design for Plaza Vendors

COTABATO CITY (July 7, 2025) — In response to the recent suspension of vendors’ operations at the Cotabato City Plaza after previously violating the terms and conditions set by the Office of the City Mayor, Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao has clarified the situation through a new Facebook post featuring the design of modern stalls intended for the vendors.

Mayor Matabalao explained that the goal of the new design is to create a neat and clean environment for small business owners while maintaining order and cleanliness in the city plaza for all residents.

He emphasized that the vendors’ livelihoods are not being taken away; rather, they are being restructured for the benefit of everyone. “Dear Vendors: Inaayos na natin ang kalagayan ninyo (Dear Vendors: We are improving your situation.) Maghintay lang kayo dahil ginagawan na namin ng paraan. Nililinis at inaayos natin ang Cotabato City. Makipagtulungan kayo! (Please be patient as we work on this. We are cleaning and organizing Cotabato City. Let us collaborate!)” said Mayor Matabalao in his social media post.

Additionally, the mayor assured that vendors will be able to return to their usual spots once the new guidelines are followed and discipline and order are maintained in the area. He highlighted the importance of abiding by the rules, reminding the vendors that the local government is not their adversary, nor are the elected officials.

“Unot kanu man sa aturan. Hindi ninyo kalaban ang City Government. Lalo na’t UBJP ang lahat ng inyong mga opisyales ngayon. Sarig kanu man. Saksi tanu su Allah SWT sa mapya i ungaya tanu kanu para sa lahat! (Follow the rules. The City Government is not your opponent, especially since all your current officials are part of UBJP. We are all in this together. Allah witnesses our good intentions for everyone!)” he added in a separate post.

The mayor also noted that they are working to improve our beloved city. This process cannot be completed overnight, but he is confident that it will be successful. He acknowledged that while some may complain, many will support the efforts, and he believes that in the end, the people of Cotabato will appreciate the results. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/Bangsamoro Today)