CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Philippine Christmas Village, popularly known as Paskuhan Village located along the prime Jose Abad Santos Avenue in this city, has reportedly been sold to SM Development Corporation (SMDC) for P939-million.
Sun.Star Pampanga sources said that the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) allegedly sold the 9.3 hectare Paskuhan Village, now known as Hilaga (North), as part of its Asset Privatization Program upon the behest of its board headed by Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.
Sources said that a floor price of P849 million was established by three appraisers commissioned by TIEZA and SMDC won with a bid of P939-million. Reports also said that SM has reportedly given locators and tenants at Hilaga only until January 29 to vacate the premises.
Pampanga First District Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao expressed sadness and dissatisfaction with the sale of what he described as a “symbol of the Kapampangans.
“We could have preserved Hilaga and put it to better use,” Guiao said.
Guiao was said to have been advised to retrieve the bust of his father, former Pampanga Governor Bren Z. Guiao, enshrined at the property’s Plaza Guiao.
The elder Guiao was with then Tourism Secretary Jose Antonio Gonzales and Center for International Trades, Expositions and Missions Director Mina Gabor in conceptualizing the Paskuhan Village.
The Hilaga property was part of the land owned by the Lazatin family. In 1990, it was donated to the government.
On December 11, 1990, the late President Cory Aquino opened the Paskuhan Village which showcased the best Christmas-inspired Filipino arts and crafts, including demonstrations on how these products were made.
Meanwhile, Sun.Star Pampanga tried to get the statement of the Lazatins on the said sale but Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin refused to comment on the matter as of press time.