The City Appraisal Committee tasked to determine the market value of the property at the Reclamation Area in Bacolod City that houses the Manokan Country and Vendor's Plaza, convened yesterday after receiving a memorandum from the mayor last week, City Assessor Maphilindo Polvora said yesterday.

Polvora, chairman of the committee, said they discussed matters like the data needed to determine the value of the property with other members of the Appraisal Committee, City Engineer Belly Aguillon and City Treasurer Giovanni Balalilhe.

They will convene again on Friday or Monday as the City Engineer's Office and City Treasurer's Office were requested to submit copies of contract of lease or contract of sale from those conducting business near Manokan Country, he said.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella held a dialog with the 14 Manokan Country tenants at the City Hall on the issue of the renovation and lease of the famed eatery.

Puentevella presented to the tenants his master plan and pointed out that while the city is facing changes and economic progress, the “modernization” of the Manokan Country plays a major factor that will entice more investors and tourists to visit and dine in the area, a press release from City Hall said.

He added that an Appraisal Committee was recently convened and is scheduled to submit their recommendations this week, the press release said.

The report will then go to different offices, like the local and regional Commission on Audit, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the Bids and Awards Committee that will schedule an “open bidding” in line with Puentevella's call for transparency, the press release said.

A technical working group will be sent by the regional COA office before the bidding, the press release alsosaid.

Before the acquisition and construction, the tenants will be temporarily transferred to Fr. Ferrero Street behind the BAYS Center where stalls will be erected complete with basic amenities, it said.

David Montoya replaced Maritess Lamier as president of the Manokan Country Vendors Association during an election held yesterday.

Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya said they have received the “ unsolicited” proposal of SM Prime Holdings Inc. to purchase the 13,783 square meter property that houses the Manokan Country.

Gasataya said if there will be a request from the mayor to sell the property or have it leased, he wants to ensure that the process will be followed and all sides will be heard.

Gasataya said that because of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Bacolod on April 29 to 30, they are considering holding the SP session on April 28 because some of the councilors have assignments during the event.

Gasataya said that since this is a big affair to be attended by foreign dignitaries, he is requesting for the cooperation of everyone.

“We should support this event to give our visitors a good impression of Bacolod City,” he said.*CGS

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