• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The iconic “Manokan Country” in Bacolod City has been closed, as ordered by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
The closure was implemented on Tuesday by the Bacolod City Legal Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of Bacolod City Police Office Station 1 personnel.
The closure order issued by Benitez forms part of the planned comprehensive redevelopment of the Manokan Country, in collaboration with the SM Prime Holdings, Inc.,which is aimed at providing a cleaner and more comfortable experience for customers.
The Fr. Mauricio Ferrero Street fronting the Manokan Country has also been closed.
Benitez said he gave 30 days for the tenants to transfer to a temporary facility prepared for them, and even accepted their compromise agreement, which they did not comply with.
To accommodate the 24 tenants during the renovation, a temporary facility has been prepared by SMHI. If the original tenants of Manokan do not express any intention to transfer to the temporary facility to continue their operations, the Bacolod City government is also offering the vacant stalls to interested business owners.
With the renovation plan, Bacolod City, known as the City of Smiles, anticipates an increase in tourism and economic growth, with a much improved look and service, said a statement from the City Public Information Office.
After a dialog with Councilor Celia Flor, following closure of the Manokan Country, the tenants signed a letter addressed to Mayor Benitez, stating their intention to transfer to the terminal hub of SMHI, who also requested the city government assistance for the processing of their electricity and water needs.*
