Bacolod allocates new lots to displaced residents

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) awarded lots to 20 residents of Barangay 12, who face relocation due to the redevelopment of Manokan Country.

The first group of beneficiaries received their lots at Purok Arao, Barangay Vista Alegre during an orientation last Thursday.

Cristina Samonte, Officer V for Housing and Homesite Regulations at BHA, shared during an Aksyon Radyo Bacolod interview that while 104 residents sought relocation, only 64 passed the necessary pre-qualification process.

According to Samonte, these beneficiaries can commence construction on their awarded lots within 90 days.

The BHA is in the process of identifying additional lots at Purok Arao to resettle more families from Barangay 12. This week, 16 more residents are expected to receive lots and undergo orientation.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez underscored the priority of resettling families before any demolition.

“We will start the demolition only after the complete relocation to Arao,” he added.

Last October, SM Prime Holdings Inc. and the municipal government signed a 40-year lease for Manokan Country’s redevelopment, located on municipal property at the Reclamation Area opposite SM City Bacolod.

Manokan Country, established in the 1990s, is a popular dining lane known for its grilled cuisine, particularly Bacolod’s signature chicken inasal.

Benitez previously announced SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to invest P4 billion in the project, expected to generate employment and tentatively commence operations by 2025.