BACOLOD City – The city government has officially closed Fr. M. Ferrero Street to vehicular traffic starting April 2 for a period of two years to give way to a major redevelopment project of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SPHI).
The temporary closure, which will last until February 28, 2027 or until the project’s completion, aims to facilitate the smooth implementation of the redevelopment initiative involving the Manokan Country, Vendors Plaza, and the Bacolod Youth and Sports (BAYS) Center, all located in barangays 10 and 12.
According to Councilor Celia Flor, who authored the ordinance on the street’s closure, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed the measure to provide SPHI full access to the redevelopment site covered by the city’s lease agreement with the company. The project will include the construction of additional buildings and installation of other improvements on the leased properties under Transfer Certificates of Title Nos. T-55865 and T-55866.
“The street shall be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the construction project undertaken by SPHI in relation to its lease contract with the city,” said Flor.
To minimize public inconvenience, the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department (BTTMD), along with other concerned agencies, will implement a traffic management plan that includes designated alternate routes and the installation of appropriate traffic signs and advisories.
Access to Fr. M. Ferrero Street will be permitted only for emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars when necessary. Authorized personnel, including project workers and members of the city’s Demolition Team — comprising the City Legal Office – Enforcement Team and the City Engineer’s Office — will also be allowed entry during the demolition of illegal structures in the area.
As part of efforts to sustain business activity and preserve the goodwill associated with the iconic Manokan Plaza, the city will organize a food fair along Fr. M. Ferrero Street. This initiative is intended to support displaced Manokan vendors and other stall owners who wish to continue operations during the construction phase.
The redevelopment is being carried out under a long-term lease agreement signed on October 20, 2023, which grants SPHI the authority to improve the leased premises within a 24-month construction period from the formal turnover date. In the meantime, affected vendors have been relocated to a temporary Manokan Plaza constructed by the lessee.
City officials emphasized that the food fair and other temporary arrangements are meant to ensure continuity of livelihood and vibrancy in the area while redevelopment progresses./PN
