Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the temporary stalls at the SM City parking lot for the Manokan Country tenants will be opened for other interested parties to occupy.
None of the Manokan Country tenants signed up to occupy them before the deadline on June 20, Benitez said at a press conference on Tuesday, June 25.
The temporary transfer was set until the construction of a new permanent Manokan Country building for the tenants is completed by SM.
The deadline for the tenants to vacate the current Manokan Country to allow for the construction of the new building is July 5. That deadline will be implemented, there will be no extension, Benitez said.
Since none of the Manokan Country tenants have opted to transfer to their temporary site until they can move to their new building, the stalls will be opened up to others, Benitez said.
“I am sure there are a thousand of others waiting and interested to occupy them”, he said
The Local Market Committee will set the implementing rules on how to select the new tenants for the temporary Manokan Country site.
The mayor said those who occupy the temporary stalls at the SM parking lot will be given priority to operate in the new Manokan Country facility when it is completed.
Meanwhile, the city government is planning to lease a 1.6 hectare property behind the Bacolod City Government Center for a Manokan Country East, vendors, food trucks and open space for a park and playground for Bacolodnons to enjoy, Benitez said.
There is a need to enhance quality of life through parks and playgrounds, he said.*