BACOLOD City – The city government will build a P50-million pedestrian mall on Fr. Ferrero Street, in front of the old Manokan Country.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the area would be transformed into a night market to boost economic activity, allowing vendors, especially ambulant ones, to operate there.
He said the road is still passable during day time but will be closed at night.
The city mayor however added it will be up to the Market Board to decide which vendors can operate in the area.
Last month, the City Council has approved a resolution for the extension of the temporary closure of Fr. Ferrero Street from the corner of Rizal Street to Burgos Street.
Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the council’s committee on markets, said Mayor Benitez had requested for the extension of the temporary closure for the fencing and piling activity of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SPHI) in relation to the development of the Manokan Country.
The road closure, she said, will also accommodate the Manokan vendors in operating a food trade fair in said area.
Meanwhile, the city government earlier said that the demolition of the old site of the Manokan Country is almost done and it would soon be turned over to SPHI.
SPHI leased the 16,875-square meter city government-owned property in barangays 10 and 12 where the original Manokan Country is situated. The private firm has invested P4 billion to redevelop the iconic area.
Manokan vendors temporarily relocated to a site at the North Wing of the Parking Hub at SM City Mall./PN
