Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (2nd from right) at a press conference at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday, August 11.*
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said on Thursday, August 11, that he is considering proposals for public-private partnerships for the development of the Manokan Country, traffic control and waste management.
There is a proposal from SM for a PPP with the city government for the development of the Manokan Country, Benitez said.
The Manokan Country should have its place in Bacolod because “it is a tourist attraction and part of our culture, and we will make sure it is preserved”, he said.
As long as the desire of the city to preserve that culture is met, the PPP proposal will be considered, he said.
Also being considered are proposals for setting up of CCTV cameras for the contactless detection of traffic violators, he said.
There are also proposals for waste management through the conversion of Bacolod’s biodegradable waste into aviation gas, fertilizer, and other recyclable products, he added.
MARKETS
Meanwhile, the city government is working on legitimizing the stay of the about 2,000 vendors at its markets, Benitez said.
Right now there is a lack of documentation at the markets, he said.
The city government will issue notices of recognition provided they meet certain requirements, he said.
The Market Code does not allow for the subleasing of stalls, which will have to be addressed, he said.
Vendors at the Manokan Country and Bacolod’s three main markets owe the city government P34 million in rent, and a mode of payment is being determined.
FLOODING
Benitez said a citywide comprehensive flood control approach is also being prepared.
Most of the natural waterways of the city are blocked by structures that are impeding the exit of water, Benitez said.
Meanwhile, all of the available equipment of the city government are already being used to declog waterways to lessen flooding, he added.*