The city government has received PHP100 million from the Office of the President (OP) to rehabilitate the Maharlika Livelihood Center (MLC), which aims to provide space for micro, small and medium enterprises.

“The PHP100 million will be used for the repair of the first floor, the escalator, and the roof to bring back the original façade of the structure that depicts the Cordillera’s mountains,” MLC manager Arthur Allad-iw said Thursday.

The MLC was turned over to the city government in 2025 by the Human Settlements Office of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development after the expiration of a 50-year usufruct agreement covering the city-owned property.

Located at the foot of Session Road, the MLC was built through the initiative of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, then minister of human settlements, as a venue for small businesses and livelihood activities.

Allad-iw said rehabilitation has begun in the basement, which was damaged by fire after the facility was turned over to the city.

“The rehabilitation of the first floor and other urgent repairs will follow immediately. The building is more than 50 years old, and several additions were made to the structure. We are restoring it to its original features, which requires repairing the roof and removing the sixth floor,” he said.

The escalator will also be replaced for safety and to improve access to the upper floors.

For the second phase, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon has committed PHP250 million. The funds will be used to remodel the stalls, reduce their number, and ensure that hallways and stairways remain open for safety and aesthetics.

“We will have more than 600 stalls for the whole facility. There will be zoning of businesses aside from the open area. Piping and electrical systems will also be part of Phase 2, which is scheduled in 2027,” Allad-iw said.

Culture-themed center

Allad-iw said the goal is to turn the MLC into a hub for Cordillera-made products and promote the region’s culture and livelihood through indigenous, native, and locally made products.

“The two buildings – Maharlika and Marbay – are go-to areas for souvenirs, products ranging from wearables, food, and ethnic wear for locals and tourists who come to Baguio. We want them to have the same place and be provided more choices for items they want to bring home,” he said.

As an incentive, the MLC is offering a 20 percent discount on rentals for businesses engaged in culture-based economic activities.

Allad-iw said some businesses currently operating in the facility may not be accommodated once the number of stalls is reduced.

He said the MLC is a city government economic enterprise whose income supports its operations, making the facility’s financial viability important.

The management is planning to hold regular trade fairs alongside festivals in various provinces and municipalities in the Cordillera region.

“We envision it as a taste of the province or municipality, which is having its festival, by showcasing the products of the town or province. We see this as another support to the micro, small and medium enterprises in other areas, brought to the city for a short-term trade fair,” he said.

Allad-iw said the city wants the facility to be economically sustainable without overcrowding it and compromising the safety of vendors and the public.

“When the building was turned over to us, it was not well kept, and there were several issues, like the use of hallways, pathways, and even its façade as selling areas for all sorts of products. We give the fruits and vegetables to the market; they will not be sold here,” he said.

The structure also requires repairs to its toilets, electrical facilities, and water piping system.

“There is a lot to be done, but we are doing it. Once completed, we hope to see a better and improved facility for locals and tourists to enjoy, aside from a safe structure,” Allad-iw said. (PNA)