• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Manokan Country tenants visited July 17 the temporary facility provided by SM City Bacolod at its north terminal hub where they could continue operating rent-free while the iconic eatery complex is redeveloped “into a future-ready tourist destination”.
The visit was made following the tenants’ dialogue with Mayor Alfredo Benitez at his office this morning, where they reiterated their decision to transfer to the temporary area and cooperate with the city government so that the Manokan Country renovation could start.
The city said the tenants committed to start processing their water and electricity connections, and agreed with the assignment of spaces at the interim facility.
Once the tenants start operating at the temporary site, the Father M. Ferrero Street will be closed to vehicles, as it will serve as an extension area for diners. An awning will be installed along the entire strip to ensure dining comfort, the city said in a press release.
Tenants with arrears must fully settle their obligations with the city within 18 months before they can move to the new building, the city said, adding that non-compliance would mean forfeiture of their right to occupy stalls.
Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse, who met with the tenants July 16 when the closure of the stalls was imposed, said that, of the 24 Manokan tenants, there were 10 who failed to pay rent and comply with the initial compromise agreement since 2022.
Benitez, meanwhile, called on Bacolodnons “to look forward to a new Manokan Country that we can be truly proud of.”
He said he plans to make the redeveloped Manokan as a future night market in Bacolod.
Benitez signed in October last year the 40-year lease contract with SM Prime Holdings Inc. to develop the city’s properties near the mall, including the Manokan Country, all with an aggregate area of 16,875 square meters, or 1.68 hectares. | CGC
