Baguio City is now in full control of the management of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex (MLC), as of today, June 1, 2025 after it was handed over by the Department of Agriculture and the MLC management.
The turn over actually happened last May 29, in a ceremony arranged for the purpose at the MLC lobby. It was attended by the newly-elected officials of the city, including Congressman Mauricio Domogan, Mayor Benjie Magalong, Vice mayor Faustino Olowan, and Councilors Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Elmer Datuin, Vladimir Cayabas, Jose Molintas, Leandro Yangot, Fred Bagbagen, and Paolo Salvosa. Some out-going councilors and other city officials were also in attendance.
The Maharlika Livelihood Complex was owned by the Human Settlements and Development Corporation (HSDC), a Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation. It entered into a lease contract with the city government starting year 1975. It was abolished as a GOCC in 2013 but allowed still to function primarily because of Maharlika, considered as the first “mall” in Baguio, and the whole Cordillera regionr.
For administration and liquidation purposes, HSDC was placed under the Department of Agriculture. A Transition Management Committee (TMC), chaired by the DA Usec for administration was then created to take care of the corporate affairs of the corporation. Members of the committee included the HSDC general manager, lawyers and other selected officials of the DA.
The TMC was also tasked to prepare the plan of liquidation for the abolished corporation. It was working under the guidance of the Governance Commission for Government-controlled organizations (GCG), the advisory and regulatory body for government-owned enterprises.
There was already a plan to turn over MLC to the city during the first quarter of 2022, but it was later shot down by the GCG. The final verdict was to consummate the 50-year contract with the City of Baguio.
The long wait culminated a few days ago in the turnover. More than 1 month overdue as a matter of fact, delayed a little due to the mid-term elections.
The outgoing general manager, Major Gen.(Ret) Robert Arevalo, made sure that the proper turnover was in place. He believed that the Maharlika building is the true Puso ng Baguio. “It is the heart and center of Baguio City. Like the heart, MLC has 6 major arteries (roads) that intersect it”, he said.
GM Arevalo was proud to report to the mayor that all the Maharlika tenants, except 3, are all in good standing. He sees the great potential of the “mall”.
“Fifty years may have been too long to have implemented changes, but still too short for those who see the prospects and potential of growth and development for Maharlika. I am confident that with the leadership of mayor Magalong, with the cooperation of the councilors, local officials and stakeholders of, including the tenants, Maharlika will rise even to greater heights”, he boldly quipped.
“The handover of the building to the City of Baguio is not the end or a farewell. Rather, it is a new beginning for a better Maharlika and Baguio that we aspire to have. We all know that there are more and better things to come for all of us under the direction of our energetic mayor, sir Benjie Magalong.” Was his parting shot.
A feel good video of very satisfied stall owners followed. “Artfully done”, said some of those in attendance
For his part, Francisco Tiu Laurel, the Secretary of Agriculture, sent a message that was read by DA Usec Roger Navarro.
Sec. Laurel said,”Maharlika has become more than just a commercial hub. It is a living symbol of Baguio’s resilience from the devastating 1990 earthquake to dozens of typhoons and the COVID 19 pandemic. The Complex has stood tall. It has empowered generations of entrepreneurs and vendors, driven the local economy, and embodied the spirit of innovation and community that defines the City of Pines.”
Because of that, he felt that the May 29 event was not just a turnover but also a celebration of local empowerment to the tenants, concessionaires and service providers. ‘You are the soul of Maharlika. Your dedication has given this complex its life and energy. And to all who have managed and supported Maharlika through the decades, we thank you for your commitment”, he declared.
Usec Navarro playfully sang Goodbye, Goodbye in a happy mood at the end.
Mayor Benjie Magalong then took over with his authoritative presence. He made a short but meaty speech, addressing some expectations of Maharlika tenants.
He told the audience that the lot where MLC stands is owned by Baguio City, it has a title to it. He informed that the process of eventual turnover of the facility to the city started way back in 2009. Now it is a reality.
He related that PBBM talked to him twice and that the president only said one word to him: Benjie, please restore the original design of the complex”. To which the audience, especially the tenants, applauded in approval.
Then he addressed the clamor of tenants for a lower rent. “Two months ago, I called for a dialogue with the tenants, at maraming di naniniwala sa good intentions ng pamahalaan para sa complex. Hanggang ngayon marami pang nagdududa”
“We will protect the interests of the tenants but at the same time, also protect those of the Baguio residents”, the mayor said. “The city council is determined to even reduce the stall rental on only one condition; removal of sub-leasing. Bawal ang sub-leasing sa siyudad ng Baguio”, he firmly added
In no uncertain term, he clarified the commitment of the city government. To prove the city’s commitment, Mayor Magalong cited how his administration responded to the fire that razed the public market two years ago. He asked his staff on the ground how long will it take to restore things and make the market operational again. When he was told that it will take all of three months, he snapped back, “That is too long. We can not let the tenants not earn anything or without source of livelihood within that long period. We only have 7 days to do it. You saw it, we did it in just one week”
Mayor Magalong also mentioned the more recent fire that affected MLC itself. He told GM Robert Arevalo, “Don’t worry GM, we will make things in order for a day. We can not afford to have MLC closed longer. We should give tenants the opportunity to earn for their living with as little disruption as possible”.
“Don’t listen to rumors, believe in us. Election is past. We are on your side”, was his assurance
The mayor also assured that whatever happens to the complex like renovation, rehabilitation, improvement, or change in plans, the tenants will be consulted.
Finally, Magalong stated that the city will continue to maintain dignity in the complex and thanked the MLC management, past and present, for their cooperation with the city government.**Dan P. Padua
