By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced yesterday that the city has decided against purchasing the two-hectare property in Barangay 19 for the construction of a new Burgos Public Market.
“The process was dragging,” said Benitez, referring to the proposed acquisition of land owned by the Yanson family adjacent to the current market.
The city had been in talks to determine the property’s value with the owners for the market’s development, as it was priced at P920 million. However, during Monday’s press briefing, Benitez revealed they will abandon the purchase, emphasizing the city’s urgency to upgrade its markets.
Benitez unveiled a fresh vision for the Burgos Market, aiming to replicate the aesthetic of Landers, which is Megaworld’s premier superstore in Western Visayas. “We’re contemplating, and this is subject to discussion,” he stated, following recent visits to the market.
The mayor explained that the new design would include a high ceiling, addressing the current nine-meter ceiling height of the market. Upon completion of the new roofing, the existing structures will be removed to facilitate further improvements.
He has instructed the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to devise strategies to minimize disruption to the vendors’ livelihood during the rehabilitation process.
In addition to a higher ceiling, Benitez mentioned the possibility of equipping the market with air conditioning units powered by solar technology.
Previously, the city earmarked P525 million for this project, which forms part of the city’s loan. However, Benitez suggested they must first assess whether the budget could extend to renovating two markets. “If it’s feasible, it would be preferable,” he said.
The Burgos Public Market, located in the city’s northern area, is one of the three major public markets in Bacolod.
Last year, the national government, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), allocated P150 million to refurbish the city’s three main public markets, an initiative started by the previous administration.
