PNoy opens the P265M Mercado de Bais

BAIS CITY, Philippines – President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III yesterday inaugurated the P265-million Mercado de Bais, which he said raised the city from the grim fire that razed its market in the past.

“Marahil ang iba sa inyo ay may mapait pa na ala-ala ng tinupok ng apoy ang dating pamilihang bayan ng Bais, pero muling bumangon ang Bais, at hindi lang basta bumangon nagpatayo pa ng mas maganda at modernong pamilihang bayan,” said the president.

PNoy opened his speech, saying “Mga gwapa ang taga Bais” (people from Bais are beautiful), labi na gyud si Mayor Karen (most specially Mayor Karen).

The president praised Villanueva’s project, which he described as solution to the problem of farmers in having outlet for their products.

The project is unique since the town market is modern already and can answer the novel needs of its constituents, he said.

PNoy said the modern market showed that the Bais people can never be left behind other cities.

The Mercado de Bais is a two-storey complex with a total floor area of 11,000 square meters. It has a cold storage facility, a function room which can accommodate 200 persons and a dining room for 100 persons.

It is located along the national high way, bounded by Mabini Street in the north, Aguinaldo Street in the South and Roxas Street in the west of the city.

PNoy said he was confident that city officials are with him in giving the services to the people. He said his administration’s campaign to minimize or stop importation of sugar would benefit the sugar producers of this city, adding that they would be encouraged now to work harder for the good of the industry.

From Bais City, PNoy went to Link Sy IT Park in Barangay Bantayan of Dumaguete City to inspect the new site for a BPO, which is a privately-owned land, and a venue for new jobs in Negros Oriental.

PNoy also met with members of the People Power Volunteers for Reform to thank them for the support given him during the campaign period last year. He also met with people of NGOs and farm groups at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.

Asked if he will be meeting Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad in Negros Oriental who happened to be in Dauin town also yesterday, PNoy answered: “Eh ano? Ang lakad ko po rito ay para sa Mercado de Bais at magpasalamat sa mga volunteers ko noong eleksyon.” - THE FREEMAN