BACOLOD CITY – The city government has set aside P5 million to repair 31 stalls at the Central Public Market in Barangay 12 destroyed by a fire last December.
VENDORS of the Central Market in Barangay 12, Bacolod City affected by a fire receive financial assistance. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod PIO)
City Engineer Loben Rafael Ceballos said that 18 completely destroyed stalls have cleared and a repair plan prioritizing these structures has been submitted.
He added that the market-in-charge is currently coordinating with 12 business owners whose stalls were partially damaged if they wish to dismantle their structures.
Repairs will address key infrastructure issues, including water supply, electrical connections, roofing, insulation, and flooring, Ceballos said.
However, immediate focus will be on the stalls that were most severely damaged. Once the bidding process is finalized, work on the repairs will begin with a standardized design for the affected stalls.
Ceballos said that the amount for the project was sourced from a trust fund.
The fire caused an estimated P4.75 million in damage to businesses.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Western Visayas said the fire appears to be electrical in nature.
Mayor Albee Benitez, with local officials and Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, provided financial aid to affected stall owners.
Those with totally destroyed stalls received a total of P50,000, while those with partial damage were given P25,000 in total.