By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The local government here is exploring the possibility of entering a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme for the construction of the Burgos Public Market in a new site.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said that this will enable the city to spend less if the negotiation with the property of the Yanson family turns out positive.
“Instead of spending P160 million for the temporary location plus rental fees, we will make it as a permanent site for the new market,” Benitez said.
The initial plan was to renovate the existing public market by this year and put up a temporary location for the affected vendors.
A budget of P525 million was allocated for the said project, which is part of the city’s loan.
The affected vendors will be relocated to the property of the Yanson family beside the existing public market.
“If they agree, instead of moving the market there temporarily, then balik naman, didto na lang para isa na lang ka gasto. Ang temporary place, himu-on permanent para indi na gasto back and forth,” Benitez said.
Benitez said the new site is two hectares while the existing market is one hectare.
Aside from this plan, Benitez said they are also entertaining the concept of swap if there are no legal impediments.
“I have to balance this,” Benitez said, as he noted that the PPP scheme is to maximize revenues.
“We cannot do that if the vendors will still have to pay the same rates today,” he said.
Benitez said that it will depend on the commercial arrangement. “They will provide the land, we will provide the building and we go on a joint venture arrangement,” he added.
He said they can also have a market expansion.
The Burgos Public Market is one of the three major public markets here situated in the northern part of this city.
The concept of the new two-story Burgos market includes a terminal for Granada and Alangilan routes, a covered parking space, a food court, and additional stalls. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months, including the temporary facilities.
Meanwhile, Benitez said that some vendors have once again sent a letter to Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Committee on Markets, questioning the proposed renovation of the market.
Flor held a public hearing early this week with the awardees of the market. She added that vendors relayed their concerns to the committee, including the increase in rental fees, the construction of a new market, and expansion, among others.
Earlier, some vendors also reacted after learning that the market would be renovated since it already underwent rehabilitation under the previous administration in 2022.
But, Benitez maintained that this time the city wanted a comprehensive solution.
