BAGUIO CITY – After 50 years of operating the Maharlika Livelihood Complex (MLC), the Department of Agriculture-Human Settlements Development Corporation (HSDC) formally turns over its administration and management to the city government during the turnover ceremony held at the MLC Lobby this morning, May 28.
DA Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro, who represented Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., relayed the department’s gratitude to all who managed and supported the MLC through the years, noting that their commitment has made the complex a reliable livelihood program for the people. He is hopeful that with the new administration, more development and prosperity are set to come.
“As the lease is set to end in two days, after a thoughtful discussion with the leaders, we now entrust Maharlika’s future to the city government of Baguio. We are confident that under the leadership of Mayor Ben, Vice Mayor Olowan, and the council, this historic place will continue to grow serving as an iconic cornerstone for the people of Baguio,” USec. Navarro said.
Meanwhile, MLC General Manager Gen. Robert M. Arevalo, shared a glimpse of what the MLC used to be. Accordingly, the MLC location was a stone market before but was caught on fire, paving way for the establishment of the now MLC. He noted that the complex is the real “puso ng Baguio” with six major roads in town proper intersecting and all leading to it. He recalled how the complex has really sustained the local economy and livelihood of the people of Baguio, not only the present generation but even the earlier generations who also served as tenants then. The tenants and management may come and go but this building or a better building will still be located here, he added.
With the new management, Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured the MLC community, specifically the tenants, that they are committed to put the public interest first. The turnover is accordingly a declaration of the city’s intent to reimagine and reinvent the complex. Key directions to be sought by the new administration include the restoration of the MLC to its original design and to prohibit sub-leasing. Mayor Magalong assured that all plans for the building will be conducted in consultation with stakeholders. “We will make sure that there will be progress, livelihood and most importantly dignity in this complex,” the City Mayor emphasized.
This milestone event was also attended by DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan who also served as MLC General Manager prior to GM Arevallo, Baguio City officials, previous MLC General Managers, MLC tenants and other stakeholders. By JBagrifino
