Bidding for Larsian facelift fails

CEBU, Philippines — The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of Cebu provincial government has declared failure of bidding for the renovation of Larsian barbeque food strip in uptown Cebu City.

Larsian administrator Joey Herrera was informed by the BAC that there was failure of bidding because the two bidders were unable to comply with some requirements.

“I was informed nga nag-failure of bidding.  Duha ra ang ni-bid but naay kulang sa ilang papers nga gi-submit mao ni-fail ang bidding,” Herrera said.

The FREEMAN asked Herrera what particular papers were lacking but he has yet to get information from the BAC.

Despite the failure, Herrera assured that the Capitol is still on track with the schedule of renovation since the works are targeted to begin in May yet.

“I don’t think it would be a cause of delay kay ato man paningkamutan nga by the middle of May or end of May mag-start na gyud ang rehabilitation or renovation of Larsian,” he said.

The Capitol is allocating P2 million for the renovation works which will focus on the drainage system of the food strip. Stalls will be also expanded and a parking space built for Larsian's costumers.

The rehabilitation is also expected to solve the sanitation problem at the food strip, which is popular among local and even foreign tourists.

Herrera earlier admitted that they received reports that sanitation is one of the major issues raised by Larsian customers. He said they are doing their best to address this problem.

The management of Larsian has already coordinated with the Cebu City government to inspect the stalls. Stall owners will also undergo trainings or seminars about sanitation and get clearance from the Cebu City Health Department before acquiring business permits.

“Seminaron na sila og food handling, sanitation, garbage disposal, ug customer service. Dili sila kabalik og dili ka seminar,” Herrera said.

He said that once the two-month renovation starts, the Capitol will also help stall owners to find place where they can continue their businesses while Larsian is closed.

Some 12 tenants own the 36 stalls inside Larsian. (FREEMAN)