The construction of a new building for “Manokan Country”, one of the prime tourist attractions in Bacolod City, is being eyed by the administration of Mayor Alfredo Benitez.
However, Benitez said that he will hold a consultation first with the stall owners in Manokan Country, on the plans of the city government.
Mark Lapid, chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), yesterday confirmed that Benitez discussed the proposed development at the Manokan Country.
“It’s still up for discussion. We will wait for the final program of the Mayor and the City Council, then, we will sit again,” said Lapid, who met with Benitez and Bacolod Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the sanggunian Committee on Markets, for a brief discussion over lunch.
“Whatever our plans, we will meet with the stakeholders to ask their opinion, including the proposed parking lot at the second floor,” Benitez said. “We will show to them the plans for final approval.”
TIEZA is a government-owned and-controlled corporation, attached to the Department of Tourism. It is responsible for implementing the policies and programs of the DOT pertaining to the development, promotion, and supervision of tourism projects in the country.
Lapid, an actor and former governor of Pampanga, said he is encouraging investors to invest in tourism as part of the country’s recovery effort from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that he is in Bacolod to support the MassKara Festival./GB
