As Tacloban City pursues its vision of a more organized urban environment, the local government has renewed its efforts to clear illegal sidewalk encroachments within the downtown area and other parts of the city.

Led by the Business Permit and Licensing Division (BPLD), the Traffic Operations, Management, Enforcement, and Control Office (TOMECO), the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), the operations targeted key areas including Justice Romualdez Street, Real St., and Picas-San Jose Airport Road. These bustling areas are often lined up with makeshift stalls, kiosks, and parked vehicles, turning sidewalks into a chaotic obstacle course for pedestrians.

During the joint operation held on October 15, 2024, ambulant vendors and local establishments were ordered to cease operations after failing to present the necessary permits to BPLD inspectors, while illegally parked vehicles and blocked PWD access ramps were dealt with.

This crackdown aligns with the issued Memorandum Circular 2024-053 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), mandating the nationwide implementation of barangay road-clearing initiatives.