Baguio: To ensure the safety of tenants and clients, the Maharlika Livelihood Center (MLC) is on the verge of a significant renovation following its turnover to the city government by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Leticia Clemente, the city budget officer and chair of the MLC transition team, announced that Mayor Benjamin Magalong has directed the relocation of some tenants from the facility's hallway and lobby.
Clemente explained that the City Building and Architects Office (CBAO) has prepared a relocation plan for the tenants. She noted that the space has become constricted, eliminating areas for plants and benches where people could previously rest or hang out. The turnover of the MLC from the DA to the city government took place in May last year after the expiration of a 50-year lease agreement. The center includes two adjacent buildings on a 5,000-square-meter land area, hosting various businesses like tailoring shops, parlors, souvenir shops, and cellphone repair shops, among others.
Clemente highlighted that the lobby has been obstructed due to numerous stalls being set up. The Bureau of Fire Protection has also recommended removing the stalls in the hallways to ensure safe and immediate evacuation in the event of a fire. The transition team plans to begin renovations prioritizing safety and space but can only proceed after relocating the obstructing tenants. Clemente assured that no tenants would be removed in the process.
The facility's electrical wiring will be inspected to prevent incidents like the six-hour fire that occurred in the basement in September last year. Zoning of items sold will be implemented, with gadgets and supplies placed in specific areas. Comfort rooms at the facility are also slated for refurbishment. Clemente stated that sublessees have until December 31, 2025, to vacate and register with the city government to be properly allocated spaces.
The city government has enforced a "no subleasing policy" to reduce rental costs for tenants. Prior to this policy, sublessees paid PHP50,000 to PHP100,000 in rent to the listed leasee, who only paid the city around PHP5,000 to PHP7,000. Clemente emphasized that Maharlika is a livelihood center, and high rent costs undermine its purpose as a source of livelihood. Additionally, improvements have been made to the previously dark and cluttered parking space.
Built in the 1970s under the Ministry of Human Settlements, the Maharlika Livelihood Center was one of former First Lady Imelda Marcos's projects aimed at providing a trading facility for small businesses.
