City, Capitol unite to improve Larsian

Free trainings and permit processing assistance will benefit business operators at Larsian, as the Provincial and City Governments plan to enter into a partnership in improving the image and service of the popular food strip.

LarsianAdministrator Joey Herrera said the city and the province want to work hand in hand on Larsian because it is identified with Cebu City even if the province owns the property.

“We expect to have a meeting this month. Magtinabangay to comply,” he said.

The city government offices tapped to help the stakeholders are the tourism and health offices, and the Department of Public Services.

“Nitabang gyud nato ang Cebu City. Helping the stall owners improve the image. Meaning, with regards to sanitation gyud of the facility and the food handling sa mga namaligyaay,” Herrera said.

He added that the Cebu City Government wants everyone to understand the importance of complying with a business permit, health card, and sanitary permit.

“It will be good for their business because that’s one way to attract more diners there. They’ll be having training. Ang Cebu City na gani ang mogasto para nila,” he said.

Larsian, being a government-owned area and a local tourist destination, should not be a reason for the government to be “lax” in terms of imposing strict compliance to the necessary operating permits, Herrera said.

Meanwhile, the Capitol gave two stainless water tanks this week to help address the water supply shortage at the food strip.

The first tank has a 6,000-cubic-meter capacity, while the second one can store 2,000 cubic meters of water.

Herrera said they still need to check if the water tanks are enough to support the 24-hour operations of the food strip. Water from the tanks is mainly for the comfort room and the wash area.

The two tanks, however, are not yet fully operational.

Herrera said that his office sought the help of the Cebu Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) and Cebu City Government to temporarily fill the tank with water until such time these can be connected to the main pipeline.

Only PEO has agreed to this arrangement. The city government is yet to respond.

The tanks will be supplied with water through mobile transfer.

The Larsian management will process the papers and make arrangements to source out water from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

This effort is in line with the provincial government’s plan to ‘make better’ the image of Larsian.

After the 2018 Sinulog, the food strip will undergo a renovation which is estimated to last for two months.

Herrera said that all paperwork is done including the Program of Works and Expenses. The papers are already with the Bids and Awards Committee.

The bidding for the project plan is expected to commence this month while the construction process is tentatively set on the last week of January.

The Larsian management suggests a two-month closure of the facility to hasten the project, so the stall owners can return at the shortest time possible.

The discussion with the stall owners is set this month. They will convene with Capitol representatives.