MANOKAN Country Vendors Association Treasurer Rosario Tutor said Tuesday that it is not the responsibility of the Manokan Country tenants to finance the health care program of Bacolod City particularly in buying dialysis machines for those with kidney problems.

Tutor met with Mayor Monico Puentevella along with Social Action Center Director Fr. Ernie Larida, and still, they have not arrived to a solution.

Puentevella has presented several projects that most likely will be funded by the proceeds of the sale of the Manokan Country property including plans to purchase new dialysis machines.

But Tutor said they still disagree with the idea to sell the 1.3-hectare property to SM Prime Holdings Inc. or any private company.

But Father Larida told Puentevella that the proceeds of the Manokan Country property would not be enough to fund the various projects that he laid down.

The Department of Health, City Health Office, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., and other foundations take care of the needs of those patients who undergo dialysis, she said.

"It is already incorporated in the Department of Health budget and should not be passed on to the Manokan Country," she pointed out.

They told Puentevella to improve the Manokan Country instead of disposing the property.

Puentevella told them the Manokan Country will stay but the ownership of the property is best given to a private company which can improve the building better.

There were complaints of unsanitary conditions of the Manokan Country that Puentevella wants to eliminate.

“The sale of the property will not only improve the Manokan Country, but it will also make cleaner and more attractive to both local and foreign tourists,” the manifesto stated.(CNC)

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