Market bidding ready for next stage

August 7, 2020 Metro BLISTT

The Public-Private Partnership for the People Initiative Selection Committee (P4-SC), on August 5 will confer the original proponent status (OPS) either to SM Prime Holdings or Robinsons Land Corporation for the redevelopment of the city market, Engr. Bonifacio Dela Pena bared.

However, the activity was postponed due to the closure of the City Hall to the public on August 5 and 6 as a safety precaution after three City Hall personnel had tested positive for COVID-19.

During the city council’s last regular session, Dela Pena, City Administrator and P4-SC Chairperson, clarified that conferring the OPS to a proponent does not seal the deal as it is only the first stage in evaluating unsolicited proposals for the city government’s infrastructure projects.

Dela Pena disclosed only SM Prime Holdings and Robinsons Land Corporation qualified among the three applicants for the market rehabilitation project during the pre-selection stage.

The Baguio Market Vendors Association which was the third applicant failed to complete all necessary requirements leading to their disqualification in the hunt for the OPS, Dela Pena revealed. The original proponent and the city government will then negotiate on the terms and conditions for the project with regard to its technical and financial aspects. The negotiation stage will be carried out for one and a half month, Dela Pena added.

“Sa stage na ito, maririnig ang boses ng both parties. Kapag hindi nagkatugma ang gusto ng bother parties, the project is considered a failure. We will no longer carry on with it,” Dela Pena remarked.

Jordan G. Habbiling