SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna, Philippines — The first day of the vendor zoning and clustering experiment around Sampalok Lake showed encouraging results, with two registered vendor associations actively participating in the initiative led by the City Government.

Tourism Officer for Special Projects An Mercado Alcantara conducted on-site inspections joined by the City Tourism Team and Dr. Marino Garcia, Chief of the City Traffic Management Office. The visit aimed to observe how the new layout and clustering system worked in actual operation.

Under the trial setup, vending areas were clearly designated, while open park zones were kept free for visitors to enjoy unobstructed views of the lake. Vendors were not allowed to occupy the road.

This approach seeks to strike a balance between order and accessibility, enhancing both vendor management and visitor experience.

According to Alcantara, vendors demonstrated discipline and cooperation, not only complying with the new guidelines but also offering practical suggestions to improve implementation.

“The greatest achievement today is the spirit of collaboration among the Tourism Office, the City Traffic Management Office, and the vendors themselves,” Alcantara said. “It’s a small but meaningful step toward a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming lakefront for everyone — proof that when we work together, even change can feel like hope.”

Important Reminder: Only vendors registered with their respective associations and approved by the Tourism Office are allowed to participate in the ongoing zoning experiment. Unregistered vendors are prohibited from selling in the parks surrounding Sampalok Lake.