BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Albee Benitez said that some vendors have opposed the city government’s plan to renovate one of the three major public markets here.
MAYOR Alfredo Benitez meets vendors on Saturday, May 25, to discuss the proposed renovation of the Burgos Public Market in Bacolod City. (Photo courtesy of Isugid Kay Mayor Facebook)
Benitez met vendors on Saturday, May 25, to listen to their concerns on the proposed renovation of the Burgos Public Market.
In a media interview on Monday, May 27, Benitez said that officials of the Burgos Public Market authorized their members to decide on the renovation.
“If they feel that this could not help them, so be it,” he added.
Benitez said that this is already a chance given to them since they also recognize the significance of public markets in this city.
“I do not know if there’s politics behind this. But the goal here is to help improve the market,” he added.
Benitez said that if vendors do not want the public market improved for any reason, this city will find other projects to allocate the fund for.
The City Engineer’s Office has submitted the proposed design for the Burgos Public Market which can accommodate approximately 726 stalls across various sections, including dry goods and stores, vegetables, meat, fish, food court, and night market stalls.
If all requirements are complied with, construction is slated to commence in July or August this year.
This city allocated P525 million for the renovation which is part of the P4.4-billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
The market is located in an 8,000-square meter lot and has more than 700 stalls. It underwent rehabilitation under the previous administration in 2022.