TACLOBAN CITY – An information and education drive aimed at giving the true image of sidewalk vendors in Tacloban is now being pushed by Institute for Samar and Leyte Engagements (ISLES).

Dr. Jaime Biron Polo, president of the said non-government organization, said that the public still has some biases against the sidewalk vendors in this city, the reason why the campaign is being initiated.

“We would like to erase in the mind of the public that the vendors are the ones who make Tacloban messy”, Polo added.

Polo said that they are now coordinating with the media to disseminate the information so that the public may know that the sidewalk vendors are out in the streets merely to find a living and not to mar the city.

He said that the group would also coordinate with other NGOs attached to the ISLES, so that they could help in this endeavor.

As they are trying to deal with different institutions, Polo said they aim to build up the critical consciousness of the public in favor of the sidewalk vendors.

Polo pointed out that this is part of building a reputation for the vendors, and a statement that they should not be undermined and harassed.

He added that they are also finding ways to create a cooperative composed of the sidewalk vendors so that they can stand strong by themselves and their voices heard and respected .