The site being prepared for the relocation of the Manokan Country vendors is now on its finishing phase as SM City Bacolod removed the fence that enclosed part of the mall’s north wing grounds during the construction of the facility.
SM Prime Holdings Inc., in partnership with the city government, prepared this site exclusively for the entrepreneur-members of the Manokan Vendors Association to enable them to continue their business operations in the area.
The city’s identified micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) shall occupy their assigned stalls at SM City Bacolod for approximately 18 months free of rent, the mall management said in a press statement Aug. 8.
The 24-stall facility has a common dining space for customers, tiled comfort rooms, and hand washing areas. A back alley provides the tenants an exclusive access to the stalls, and also serves as a delivery drop-off point for ingredients and supplies.
The stalls also come with a preparation counter, and grill, among other essential kitchen fixtures.
Grease traps are also included per stall, helpful in preventing most grease and solids from entering the wastewater disposal system, the mall said. “This would help the tenants save on plumbing repairs and maintenance, and reduce harmful impact to the environment.”
The stalls are also equipped with exhaust hoods to ensure a comfortable and clean grilling environment.
The Manokan Country tenants have until Aug. 19 to operate at their current stalls, after which, they may continue grilling at the temporary site at SM. Both the city government and the mall management want minimal disruption in the vendors’ operations to avoid losses.
SM Prime also assures tenants and customers that the essentials of grill business are in place, in spite of the temporary setup.
The temporary Manokan is just a few feet away from the original structure, which the occupants need to vacate while it undergoes major redevelopment that will enhance both the city’s tourism attractiveness and increase the earnings of chicken inasal MSMEs.
The Manokan Country redevelopment is among Bacolod’s major projects for progress through a public-private partnership with property developer SM Prime.
As SM City Bacolod readies the temporary site for their relocation, the city is also assisting the tenants in the speedy processing of their utilities.
The city is also providing added dining space through the installation of tent domes on Fr. Ferrero Street, in front of the temporary site.
In their last dialog with Mayor Alfredo Benitez July 17, the Manokan tenants have expressed their cooperation to the redevelopment project. They have since visited the temporary site and have collectively agreed that the area was clean and organized. ||
