"WE would like to preserve the cultural identity of the Manokan Country and its ambiance."
This was stressed by Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Friday, October 13, after SM Prime Holdings Inc. already presented its perspective plan to the members of the City Council for the development of Manokan Country, the Vendors’ Plaza, towards the Commission on Elections (Comelec) local office.
Benitez said he's still waiting for the final design of the Manokan Country to be submitted to his office.
He said they agreed with SM Prime Holdings to preserve the cultural identity of the Manokan Country, and they should have an open kitchen so that it will be visible to the customers how they cook the chicken.
"It's a way to encourage customers to dine in Manokan Country," he added.
On October 10, Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the committee on laws, along with Councilors Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Vladimir Gonzales, held a committee hearing at the Bacolod City Government Center, along with the representatives of SM Prime Holdings Inc. and the tenants of the Manokan Country regarding the proposed lease agreement between the city and SM Prime.
Benitez said he expects that anytime, SM Prime will present him with the final design of the Manokan Country.
He said it was part of the SM Prime plans to put up business process outsourcing (BPO) offices, additional car park, and stalls for tenants.
He added that the lease agreement will last for 40 years, with an additional 10 years if it is agreed upon by the city.
The mayor noted that SM Prime is committed to investing P4 billion in the implementation of the said project, which will create more jobs in the city.
Benitez said SM Prime will also retain the name of Manokan Country.
Espino earlier said SM Prime Holdings will start the construction of the new building in Manokan Country by the first week of January 2024.
He said the proposed plans of SM were also accepted by the tenants of the Manokan Country, adding that they will be temporarily accommodated at the terminal hub of SM for free for 14 months and that they will only pay for their utilities.*
