By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The tenants of Manokan Country have been told to complete their arrears payments to the city within 18 months to enable their move to the new Manokan site.
Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on Markets, said in a media interview that 16 of the 24 tenants with updated payments will be prioritized for the permanent site of the new Manokan Country. The remaining tenants, who have not made payments, need to pay a substantial amount to secure slots in the temporary facility.
Despite initial opposition to vacating the area, the tenants agreed to move to the temporary space after a final dialogue with Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) yesterday.
After a series of negotiations, the tenants confirmed in writing their intent to transfer to the temporary facility provided by SM Prime Holdings Inc. at the parking lot of SM City Bacolod, just across from Manokan Country, to accommodate the P4-billion redevelopment project.
During the meeting, the tenants informed the mayor that they will start to process their water and power connections in the temporary facility. However, tenants with arrears must follow a payment plan set by the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).
Flor stated that the tenants asked the mayor if the city could waive the surcharge and penalties of their arrears. According to the CTO, the city can do this but only for five years, based on the local government code, she added.
Some tenants have not paid their arrears for several years, while others have made staggered payments. Flor said the CTO will recalculate their arrears and suggested that at least 10 percent of the arrears should be paid upfront, and a payment matrix will be created.
Meanwhile, Flor mentioned that during the meeting, there were discussions about using additional parking space at the shopping mall to extend the dining area for customers in the temporary facility. The city will need to ask SM for permission, but for now, SM is still finishing the exhaust system at the temporary facility.
Once the tenants are in the temporary site, Fr. Ferrero Street will remain an extension of the Manokan stalls and will be closed to vehicles. A canopy will cover the entire strip for dining comfort.
The renovation plan of Manokan Country aims to increase tourism and economic growth with an improved look and service.
