• CHERYL G. CRUZ
SM Prime Holdings Inc. has started the ball rolling for its P1.77 billion SM Bacolod Manokan project, with the conduct of a public scoping recently, in its bid to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate from the DENR.
In its project description report for scoping, the proponent said that SM Bacolod Manokan at the reclamation area in Barangay 12 is a 15-level mall, BPO, Sky Garden, roof deck, and parking area, with a total of 1,939 parking slots, and lot area of 13,918.40 square meters.
The development of the mall shall feature leasable and common areas, a department store, hypermarket, food hall, a cyber zone, amusement area, wellness, and cinema on the ground and second levels.
An estimated 800 workers will be needed for construction, which includes managers, admins, laborers, skilled workers, foremen, engineers, and architects. During operations, around 274 workers are needed, including admin, staff, maintenance, and security personnel, SM Prime said.
“The project not only revitalizes the retail and entertainment sectors but also contributes to the rising economy of Bacolod City, by providing employment and livelihood opportunities to its future employees and tenants.
“The redevelopment intends to contribute positively to the environmental landscape through eco-friendly and sustainable practices by incorporating energy-efficient technologies, waste management systems, and green spaces within the mall premises, to align with the broader goal of minimizing the ecological impact on the community, the proponent added in its project description report for scoping that was held March 21 at SM City Bacolod.
Public scoping is an early stage in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process where the proponent aims to provide an overview of the proposed project, gather issues and concerns and other relevant information, for the scope of work and terms of reference in preparing for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau said.
Projects that have significant environmental impacts are generally subject to a full EIA and require an ECC, as per the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. | CGC
