BACOLOD City – The city government is set to begin demolishing 22 residential structures in Barangay 12 today to pave the way for a redevelopment project by SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SPHI).
The redevelopment involves a 16,875-square-meter city-owned property leased to SPHI, located across from SM City Mall in the Reclamation Area.
City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. confirmed that residents have been notified of the demolition, which targets structures behind the Manokan Country area.
Affected families were asked to vacate voluntarily.
Originally, more than 100 families were protected to be impacted by the redevelopment, with some subsequently receiving relocation assistance from the city.
However, several families returned to the area despite previously availing of relocation services, which disqualifies them from additional aid.
The city provided relocation for eligible families, along with cash assistance of nearly P30,000.
As a result of these efforts, only 22 households now remain, and demolition will proceed as SPHI prepares to secure the site with perimeter fencing.
The demolition is part of broader redevelopment plans, which include the eventual closure of the Manokan Country area.
Ting said the city government is coordinating with Councilor Celia Flor, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s committee on markets, who is in discussions with Manokan stall owners and SPHI regarding the transition.
SPHI has arranged a temporary relocation site in the SM City Mall parking hub for affected stall owners, enabling continued business operations. However, despite assurances from the City Engineer’s Office that the relocation site is ready for use, stall owners have yet to occupy the temporary space./PN
