Manokan Country tenants seek Benitez's help

The tenants of Manokan Country in Bacolod City have asked for the assistance of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Tuesday, October 24, to address their problem when the redevelopment of Manokan Country starts next year.

Benitez said the tenants went to his office to clarify some things like the time that will be implemented with the new management of the area.

“It’s still 24/7 operations and they will be allowed to stay inside their stalls,” he said.

He added the tenants can also submit their suggestions for the design of the Manokan Country and they will discuss it with SM Prime Holdings Inc.

On October 20, the city government of Bacolod signed the contract of agreement with SM Prime for the redevelopment of the iconic Manokan Country.

SM Prime also turned over P131.89 million to Bacolod City, which represents the seven years of advance rental payments for Manokan Country, under the 40-year lease agreement with the city at an annual rental fee of P21.26 million, subject to a 5 percent escalation rate every three years.

After signing the agreement, Benitez said that SM group will gear up for the construction and its tentative date of operation will be in 2025.

He said the lease agreement will last for 40 years, with an additional 10 years if it is agreed upon by the city.

He added that from January to March 2024, the tenants will transfer to their temporary area at the parking lot of the nearby SM City Bacolod.

The mayor disclosed that they will talk with SM if they can allocate big space in the area.*