BACOLOD CITY, May 26 -- This highly urbanized city has legalized the operations of food vendors along the North Capitol Road, allowing them to earn a living without fear of apprehension.

Starting Monday night, 42 vendors continued to sell in the area from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. after they were granted special permits by the City Mayor's Office-Business Permits and Licensing Office.

Among them are Ronela Lagahit, 37, who has been selling fruit juice coolers along the adjacent Aguinaldo Street for more than 20 years, and Johnny Vasquez, 64, also a long-time food vendor in the vicinity of the Capitol Park and Lagoon.

Each vendor is required to pay PHP300 per week for a special permit.

Mayor Greg Gasataya, who distributed the special permits ...