BACOLOD City — The City Government of Bacolod is set to open discussions with vendors at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) following the issuance of a notice to vacate structures within the donated government property.
The notice, dated February 20, was issued by the City Legal Office (CLO) and signed by City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph P. Chiu.
According to the CLO, a total of 49 vendors were served notices directing them to voluntarily remove structures occupying portions of the BCGC grounds in Barangay Villamonte within 10 days from receipt.
The order cited provisions in the deed of donation between the City Government of Bacolod and Angela Estate, Inc., which stipulate that the donated land “shall not be utilized in any manner for residential, agricultural, livestock, or commercial purposes, nor serve as a warehouse or garage.”
The city was reportedly urged to strictly enforce this condition, with a warning that non-compliance could result in the cancellation of the donation.
Failure to voluntarily remove the structures within the prescribed period may lead to demolition at the occupants’ expense and the imposition of appropriate sanctions under existing laws, the notice stated.
Despite the enforcement action, City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said Mayor Greg Gasataya assured vendors that the local government does not intend to abandon them.
Mayo said the city, through Mayor Gasataya, has initiated discussions with the donor regarding possible arrangements for displaced vendors, including identifying a potential relocation site.
He added that the mayor has spoken with a representative of the Gonzaga family, the lot donor, about a private property that may accommodate the affected vendors.
Mayo explained that if the vendors are relocated to a private property, rental and payment terms will be clearly discussed with them. Based on initial talks, the property owner is amenable to a daily payment scheme, which could help ease the financial burden on vendors.
He said a meeting with the affected vendors will be scheduled within the week to discuss the proposed plans.
“We have to abide by the deed of donation, but we do not have to abandon the vendors,” Mayo emphasized, noting that the goal is to ensure vendors have security of tenure and the assurance that they can continue their livelihood.
While discussions are ongoing, the city government has yet to finalize or publicly announce the specific relocation site. Mayo said further consultations will be conducted to relay details on possible fees, payment arrangements, and security of occupancy once a suitable area has been identified./PN
