Smallville establishment owners hurt by 'drug haven' tag
Establishment owners at Smallville complex in Mandurriao district finally broke their silence on the issue that illegal drugs circulate in the area which is considered as the city's most popular night spot.
Two of the establishment owners granted an exclusive interview with The News Today over the weekend to clear the name of Smallville in the midst of what they dub as misconception on the issue.
They challenged the authorities to name the establishments that they consider as venues of illegal drugs transactions to be fair with the others.
Pauline Gorriceta-Banusing, owner of Maki and Freska which are among the tenants at Smallville complex, said the authorities should have been responsible enough in releasing information implicating Smallville complex to illegal drugs.
She said Smallville is a strip composed of different kinds of establishments mostly dealing with food and dining and cater to families and the yuppies so it is unfair to tag the area as a drug haven.
"We were really affected. At first I tend to ignore the issue but it has come to a point that it has affected our businesses, I think it's about time to speak up," Banusing said.
She lamented that Smallville was singled out in media reports when in reality Smallville complex is only up to the Iloilo Business Hotel from the main entrance.
Banusing cited her restaurants Maki and Freska which mainly deal with food and dining and usually have as customers families, young professionals and guests from other places.
"Our establishment is wholesome and family-oriented. As a mother of two I feel bad that Smallville was implicated on the issue of drugs. It is not true," Banusing said.
Banusing observed that after the issue came out few people already hang out in the Smallville area. "Because of the issue parents no longer allow their children to hang out in Smallville," she said.
"It is very unfair to us. The authorities should name the establishments they are referring to as transaction joints of illegal drugs. They should not generalize," Banusing added.
Julian Juantong, owner of BlueJay Coffee one of the pioneers in Smallville complex, echoed the sentiments of Ms Banusing.
He said stores in Smallville have different concepts. "For instance our place BlueJay is a coffee shop, our customers mostly are professionals, our establishment is well-lighted, we don't even sell beer... we don't have VIP rooms... is this kind of place appropriate for illegal drugs transactions?" Juantong averred.
He added, Ilonggos should even be proud of the Smallville complex because it has become a flourishing commercial area where people can bring their families or guests to enjoy.
"Iloilo eversince is sleepy, with Smallville our nightlife became alive... a lot of visitors are even amazed that we have this kind of place where they can unwind. We should be proud of Smallville," Juantong said.
"We are one with the authorities in the fight against illegal drugs. In fact, we are supporting them on that aspect because we also want to have a safe environment. All we wanted is for them to specify their target and not to generalize because it could affect other decent businesses," Banusing said, adding "besides, the issue does not only affect Smallville but the image of Iloilo City as a whole.
To note, the information that illegal drugs circulate in Smallville complex came from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during the recent City Peace and Order Council meeting.
Subsequently, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has ordered the deployment of additional policemen in Smallville and adjacent commercial areas to increase police visibility and to discourage illegal drug pushers from making transactions in the area.