BACOLOD CITY – Twenty-four out of the 26 tenants of the Manokan Country in this city have been given a two-week extension to transfer to a temporary facility at the parking area of SM City Bacolod in preparation for the P4-billion redevelopment project by SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SPHI).

THE iconic Manokan Country at the reclamation area in Barangay 12, Bacolod City which will be redeveloped by SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SPHI). (Glazyl Masculino)
City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. said in a media interview that tenants have until July 20 to comply with water and power connection before moving to the temporary site just across the existing Manokan Country.
This development came after tenants had a dialogue with Councilor Vladimir Gonzales who was sent by Mayor Albee Benitez to address the situation.
Ting said that tenants have agreed to transfer to the temporary site with some demands stated in their letter addressed to the city government.
Among their demands were that once the new Manokan Country within the SM vicinity will be operational, they are assured that the rental rate will not be more than P100 per square meter, they will be regulated by the local government where they can raise their concerns, and that they will be allowed flexible operating hours.
The tenants also said that should also be prioritized specially in the permanent area, all 23 tenants shall be included in the temporary area regardless of their arrears, as they assured that they will settle their accounts and comply within the necessary documents needed to operate, the temporary location of the Manokan Country is free of rental charge, and a chimney or exhaust hood shall be provided.
Ting said that he has informed Benitez of their demands and the contract of lease. But they have yet to reach an agreement.
Benitez had earlier said that the city would not give any more extension to the tenants after the first July 5 deadline set by the city following the issuance of the City Legal Office (CLO) of the notice to vacate to 26 tenants amid the initial opposition of the tenants to transfer to the site.
However, according to the city, the extension would enable the tenants to prepare for their transfer.
Ting said that the last day of operation of the tenants will be on July 21 as fencing of stalls will start on July 22.
Manokan Country is a row of restaurants selling grilled food, especially the famous Bacolod chicken inasal, which was established in the 1990s.
The new Manokan Country is being eyed to operate tentatively by next year.