"Eco-Larsian" coming soon

CEBU, Philippines - The plan to upgrade the popular barbecue hangout Larsian may soon be a reality after Governor Gwendolyn Garcia approved the P7.1-million budget for the plan before leaving for an official trip abroad.

The Larsian we know will soon be an “Eco-Larsian”, said Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre.

Pelayre said that they were given two months to renovate Larsian and work is expected to be finished before Christmas.

When construction starts, Pelayre said they might ask the Cebu City government to temporarily close a nearby road so the food services in the area will not be disrupted.

Aside from the barbecue stalls, the new Eco-Larsian will also have a fruit stand.The barbecue grilling stations will be placed in the center and will be ventilated so that smoke will not be trapped. The dining sheds will be at the sides.

The main reason for the renovation Pelayre said is to address sanitation concerns.

Vendors and customers will also be provided with washing facilities and four restrooms will be added to the existing ten.

Pelayre further explained that the development is called Eco-Larsian because they will install solar lights in the area.

The plan to upgrade the place came up when the group My Shelter Foundation, proposed to Garcia regarding the plan to promote solar bulbs and showcase them at Larsian.

For several years past, stallholders in Larsian have been paying rent to the Capitol for the stands while the development was left to Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. in exchange for exclusive rights to the sale of beverages there.

But the stallholders have been complaining lately that Coca-Cola failed to develop the place.

Garcia earlier said they have been regularly monitoring the place and found out that the Coca-Cola, which offered to build the stalls, is not doing the necessary repairs.

This prompted her to decide to start the development in Larsian. The improvement is expected to double the economic activity in the area.

Larsian serves grilled meat and seafood.It is open from 2 p.m. until the wee hours of the morning.—/BRP (FREEMAN)