DPL turned down his request to continue using the Garapan Fishing Base area for “community activities.”
“I respect their decision but I’m just so concerned about the program,” Flores told Variety.
DPL Secretary Oscar M. Babauta advised the mayor that the department has received a request to lease the Garapan Fishing Base area.
The real estate staff of DPL is “currently negotiating for a positive recommendation of the lease,” Babauta said in a letter to Flores.
DPL did not mention who is interested to lease the area.
Flores said they can immediately cease their operations and remove the booths once DPL approves a long-term lease investment in the area.
But in the meantime, he said they should be allowed to use the area for community events and revenue-generating programs.
The mayor’s office started using the area in June for the month-long Liberation Day celebration.
Flores said they want to continue using the area for activities that will generate funds for next year’s Liberation Day celebration.
“We get support from the community to utilize the place for flea and farmer’s markets,” he said.
DPL will get a $5 share from the $25 lease of every booth, the mayor added.
Babauta explained to Flores that DPL already has a standing agreement with the Department of Lands and Natural Resources to allow local farmers to have a Tuesday market at the Garapan Fishing Base every week.
The farmers, however, have to move their market to the Kristo Rai Church parking lot to make way for the Liberation activity center.
The farmers want to move back to the Garapan Fishing Base.
Flores said they want to accommodate the farmers.
“We even offered them to use the booths for free,” he added.
According to Flores, they are planning to have a Christmas light festival in the area.
He wants to maximize the use of the area for more revenue generating activities.
But Babauta has already told the mayor’s office to dismantle and remove all the 40 booths, including the performance stage, in the area by Aug. 3.
DPL, according to Babauta, will continue to assist the mayor’s office in finding an appropriate site for a flea market and its other community events.
“Where is that place?” Flores asked.
He said it is “impossible” to dismantle all the structures at the Garapan Fishing Base on or before Aug. 3.
He said he has asked DPL to give them more time to clear the area.
