By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez met with vendors of Burgos Market, introducing a “people’s plan” that allows them to propose their own ideas for improving the facility.
Benitez said it was his first visit to the market since vendors rejected the city’s proposed rehabilitation project.
He emphasized that he wanted to hear directly from the vendors about their plans for the market’s development.
“If you can come up with a design and I’m still in government, I will secure funding from the national government to implement it,” Benitez said.
“You make the design. If you don’t like mine, let me know,” he added.
The city previously allocated PHP 525 million for the market’s rehabilitation, but after multiple negotiations, vendors rejected the project over concerns about their livelihood.
The funds, originally part of Bacolod’s PHP 4.4 billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), were then reallocated to other priority projects.
Benitez said he sought funding for the market’s improvement because vendors had long complained about poor ventilation and overcrowding.
“But despite that, you rejected the plan. So, what have you done to improve it?” the mayor asked.
He noted that this was the first time the city had set aside a significant budget for the market’s redevelopment.
“At the very least, you could have made suggestions, but I didn’t hear any from you. None of you agreed to the proposal,” he added.
Benitez admitted he was disappointed with the vendors’ rejection of the project.
“I was straightforward. I expressed what was truly in my heart. Gin-hambal ko nga naglain ang buot ko sa ila (I told them I was upset),” he said.
With the “people’s plan,” Benitez said he wanted vendors to have a voice in the market’s future rather than leaving the design solely to the government.
During the meeting, vendors were also informed about various assistance programs available to Bacolod residents.
These include the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Bayad Agad, Burial Assistance, and Medical Assistance, among others.
Officials guided vendors on how to access these benefits and maximize the city’s support services.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) was also introduced, offering Bacolodnons the opportunity to enroll in skills training programs with assistance from the Sectoral Affairs Office.
Benitez listened to vendors’ concerns and discussed ways to improve their livelihood and access to government support.
Similar orientations were held last week at the Central Market and Libertad Market.
