BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Albee Benitez met vendors for the first time since their rejection of the proposed P525-million rehabilitation of the Burgos Market here.

MAYOR Albee Benitez meets vendors at Burgos Market in Bacolod City for the first time since they rejected the proposed P525-million market rehabilitation plan. (Photo via Bacolod PIO)

“I was honest with them. I told them I was upset,” Benitez said.

Funding for the rehabilitation was supposed to come from the city’s P4.4-billion loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). 

Vendors rejected the proposal due to concerns over their livelihood, prompting the city government to reallocate the fund to other priority projects.

Benitez said that he sought the fund to improve the market and address vendors’ complaints about overcrowding and poor ventilation in the facility. 

“But despite that, you rejected the plan. So, what have you done to improve it?” he asked.

This was the first time the city government had allocated a significant amount for market improvement, Benitez said.

“At least you could have made suggestions, but I didn’t hear any from you, and none of you agreed with the proposal,” he added.

Despite the setback, Benitez is open to introducing a “people’s plan” and asked suggestions from vendors on how to improve the market. 

He said that if the vendors have a plan and he is still in office, he would look for funding from the national government to support it.

“You make the design. If you don’t like mine, let me know,” Benitez told vendors, encouraging them to contribute their ideas rather than relying solely on the government’s plan.

Benitez also listened to their concerns and discussed ways to enhance their livelihood and access to government support.

Vendors were also briefed on various assistance programs available to them.