
Officials of SM Prime Holdings are scheduled to present their plan for the development of the Manokan Country and adjacent properties of the city government at a public hearing at the Bacolod City Government Center 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 10.
SM is leasing 16,875 square meters of property owned by the Bacolod City government where the Manokan Vendors Plaza, Bacolod Arts Youth and Sports Center and nearby properties at Fr. Ferrero Street are located.
The hearing is being conducted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Good Government and Committee on Transportation and Traffic chaired by Councilor Al Victor Espino and Committee on Markets chaired by Councilor Celia Flor.
“We have successfully negotiated with the proponent and it has been endorsed to the city council for final clearance,” Benitez said.
The development will mean the upgrading of the Manokan Vendors Plaza as a tourist destination, and the construction of BPO buildings in the area, he said.
The Manokan vendors’ rent at the new site will be at subsidized rates so the price the chicken inasal they sell is not raised, Benitez said.
Meanwhile, the Manokan tenants with delinquent rent payments could be disqualified from being granted space at the new Manokan Vendors Plaza.*