By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY—Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced Monday that the city has initially allocated PHP500,000 worth of food vouchers for Manokan Country tenants.
Benitez said in a press briefing that the fund was sourced from the private sector.
The initiative aims to help boost the sales of tenants who recently relocated to a temporary site while renovations are ongoing at the original location.
Benitez said the vouchers have already been printed, but the mechanics for their distribution have yet to be finalized.
He added that he has not determined the amount per voucher that will be given to each tenant.
A total of 24 tenants began moving to the temporary site at the SM City Bacolod parking area last week, just across from the existing Manokan Country in Barangay 12.
One suggestion is to distribute the vouchers during conventions or to tourists, Benitez said.
“We will discuss how to go about it,” he added.
Aside from the vouchers, Benitez said the city will also provide PHP20,000 to each tenant to enhance security at their temporary stalls, which were constructed by SM.
He said the boarding up of the existing structure will begin this month.
The Feb. 28 deadline for the affected informal settlers in Barangay 12 serves as a grace period for them to prepare while demolition and construction proceed, he said.
The demolition will begin on the other side of the site, not directly affecting them at first, but they should start preparing to move out, he added.
A total of 22 informal settlers will be relocated to Barangay Vista Alegre.
Meanwhile, Hans Sy, who was recently conferred as an adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod, announced several projects for the city during the Spring Festival in celebration of the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival.
In his speech, Sy highlighted the redevelopment of Manokan Country, known for its local and cultural significance.
He said their collaboration with the local government aims to create a future-ready and disaster-resilient infrastructure that enhances the unique and manamit Bacolod experience for both locals and tourists.
“It is not just a dining destination, but a symbol of Bacolod’s identity, a popular first stop upon arriving in the city,” Sy said.
He emphasized that revitalizing Manokan Country will ensure it remains a key tourist attraction and an economic driver for its tenants, who have made it a cherished part of Bacolod’s heritage.
“Our commitment to the growth and well-being of Manokan’s tenants is firm. We will provide financial literacy workshops, safer and more sustainable facilities, and a beautiful building that will surely bring in more customers,” he said.
Sy noted that the redevelopment is not just a structural upgrade but a step toward preserving Bacolod’s traditions while positioning the city as a world-class destination, similar to how European markets and food halls define cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and London.
The PHP4-billion Manokan Country redevelopment project aims to boost tourism and economic growth in Bacolod.
The project is tentatively scheduled to open this year.
