Larsian to close for renovation

CEBU, Philippines — The Larsian barbecue food strip in midtown Cebu City will be closed for two months to pave way for its rehabilitation.

The Larsian, the long smoky strip of barbecue stalls that has become a landmark, is tentatively scheduled for closure in June or July this year.

Larsian administrator Joey Herrera said renovation works, which would take at least two months to finish, will focus on the drainage system of the food strip.

Stalls will be also expanded and a parking space built for Larsian's customers.

The rehabilitation is also expected to solve the sanitation problem at the food strip, which is popular among local and even foreign tourists.

Larsian’s tenants, stall owners, and workers are also set to undergo a series of trainings and seminars on proper food handling, sanitation, and customer service relations.

Herrera said the Capitol will help stall owners to find a place where they can continue their businesses while Larsian is closed.

He said the provincial government will also conduct meetings with the 36 stall owners to lay down the plans and options for the project before the month ends.

He said policies, including the prices of the products will also be discussed.

The Provincial Board recently authorized Governor Hilario Davide III to award the Larsian rehabilitation project to a Manduae-based real estate firm, GTM Builders and Supply.

The Capitol’s Bids and Awards Committee recently declared GTM as the winning bidder for the P2-million rehab project.

The firm posted the lowest bid of P1,882,718.96. — KBQ (FREEMAN)