BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
For over four decades, Ate Mary has witnessed the strength of the Maharlika Livelihood Center, where her food stall has been serving market goers for more than 70 years.
“When it first opened in the late ’70s to early ’80s, it was the place to shop. There were no malls yet, and this was the go-to place. It was the first mall in Baguio,” she recalled.
However, with the passage of time, the once lively complex began to deteriorate.
This, according to the concessionaires, has affected their businesses.
“Whenever it rains, we get soaked, including our goods,” shared Mary Joy Pay Seng, a concessionaire.
There is also the uncertainty about the impending transition of the complex’s management.
On May 30, the Department of Agriculture will hand over the responsibility to the Baguio City government.
“I asked earlier about the transition process, and my concern is whether the management will be dependent on the politicians. Will the City Council be responsible for handling it?” Pay Seng questioned.
The issue was addressed by Baguio City Councilor Isabelo “Poppo” Cosalan Jr., who assured that Mayor Benjamin Magalong has instructed to ensure that no concessionaires would be displaced.
He emphasized that the current regulations will be maintained.
“Everything will remain the same for now, and we have a transition committee in place to ensure a smooth handover,” Cosalan said.
In a special session on April 11, Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda filed two resolutions, one of which grants authority to the city government to collect rents from the Maharlika Livelihood Complex management until May 30, 2025.
