The city government of Bacolod signed a partnership with SM Prime Holdings Inc. to modernize the Manokan Country, the famous row of chicken inasal (grilled chicken) stalls at the reclamation area.
The Manokan Country Redevelopment Project involves a multi-billion contract for the lease and development of various city properties
The agreement was signed by Mayor Albee Benitez and SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim, represented by SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.
“It’s a modernization with a touch of preserving cultural identity.”
“It’s a modernization with a touch of preserving cultural identity. Manokan Country is ingrained in our culture, and we would like to preserve that moving forward. We just like to enhance it, make sure that the experience is still there within the modern facilities,” Benitez said.
Apart from the Manokan Country, the agreement aims to facilitate the lease and development of the Vendors Plaza and Bacolod Youth and Sports (BAYS) Center, among other nearby properties situated on Fr. Ferrero Street, Bacolod City.
“We remain committed to further enhancing their shopping and dining experience, particularly at their well-loved Manokan Country.”
“We treasure the relationship we have built with the community of Bacolod City, and we remain committed to further enhancing their shopping and dining experience, particularly at their well-loved Manokan Country,” Lim said.
The private-public partnership has garnered considerable attention, as it holds the promise of transforming key areas of Bacolod, enhancing urban infrastructure, and boosting economic growth.
The agreement had been the focal point of the recent public hearing at the Masskara Hall in Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), where key stakeholders converged.
Among those in attendance were the Manokan Country stall owners, spokesperson of Brgy. 12 Nolida Cordova, as well as representatives from SM Holdings Inc. consultants.
Councilor Al Espino led the committee hearing together with City Councilors Simple Distrito. Al Victor Espino, Israel Salangga, Celia Flor and Jude Thaddeus Sayson.
The revitalization under the agreement has raised both necessary inquiries from stakeholders and hopes for a more vibrant and modernized Manokan experience.
The discussions and details of the agreement were made to be fine-tuned as the collaborative effort between the government of Bacolod City and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. reflects a shared commitment to progress and a promising future for Bacolod.
Public feedback and consultations played a crucial role in shaping the final agreement, ensuring that the interests of the community are carefully considered.
