ILOILO City – Excitement fills the air as the long-awaited soft opening of the redeveloped Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market takes place today, October 30, a milestone in Iloilo City’s mission to modernize them while preserving their cultural and economic legacy.
For many market vendors, this is not just the opening of a new facility, it is the fulfillment of a long-time dream.
The new markets bring with them renewed hope for better business opportunities, improved sanitation, and a more comfortable environment for both vendors and shoppers. Gone are the days of leaky roofs, unpleasant odors, and flooded stalls.
Jedda Navales, a native coffee vendor at the Iloilo Terminal Market or “Super”, expressed gratitude to the city government for the redevelopment.
“Before, the old market’s condition was really difficult for us. When it rained, everything got wet, and our regular customers found it inconvenient,” she shared. “Now, with the new Iloilo Terminal Market, we’re finally leveling up.”
Vendors also expressed appreciation to former mayor Jerry P. Treñas for initiating the redevelopment project, and to Mayor Raisa Treñas for ensuring its completion under her administration.
“We thank former mayor Jerry for his legacy and Mayor Raisa for continuing to support us,” said vendor Boy Gascon. “This project truly shows that the government cares for its people.”
Beyond providing a safer and cleaner environment, the modernized markets are also expected to attract more customers and even tourists.
“Now, we don’t have to endure heat, smell, or flooding. After selling, we can even visit SM,” Gascon added with a smile.
Despite the significant improvements, vendors assured the public there will be no increase in the prices of goods. Gemma Tolentino, another vendor, emphasized their commitment to keeping prices affordable for everyone.
Evangeline Janeo, owner of Rawit’s Litson at the Iloilo Central Market, shared her optimism: “We’re confident more people will buy our products now that the market is clean, organized, and has parking spaces. Even when we were at temporary stalls, our loyal customers kept finding us. We’re proud to help promote Iloilo through our native roast chicken.”
CITY GOV’T TO RETAIN MANAGEMENT
The Iloilo City Government, through the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO), will continue to manage both redeveloped markets.
LEEO head Maricel Mabaquiao clarified that the markets are not privatized, contrary to misinformation circulating online.
She explained that the redevelopment was implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with SM Prime Holdings, Inc., which underwent all proper legal processes and was guided by the PPP Center of the Philippines.
“The markets remain under city management, just as before. PPP means government and private sectors work together to build projects, but the government still holds control,” Mabaquiao clarified.
She also confirmed that there will be no rental increase as per an Executive Order issued by former mayor Jerry Treñas, deferring adjustments until next year — a policy also upheld by Mayor Raisa Treñas.
“All legitimate vendors will return to their stalls. We assure everyone that the process remains fair and transparent through the adjudication of the Market Committee,” said Mayor Raisa.
CLEAN, ORGANIZED, AND SAFE
To maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the new facilities, the city government will implement the “Limpyo Merkado” program and other policies.
Market sweepers will be deployed, and Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) with strict waste segregation policies will be in place.
Security and safety are also prioritized, with police outposts and security guards assigned to the area.
“We want our new markets to reflect the discipline and pride of Ilonggos — clean, organized, and safe for everyone,” Mabaquiao said.
MODEL OF PPP AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
The Central and Terminal market redevelopment stands as a model of a successful PPP, transforming these markets into more than just places to buy goods — they are now vibrant community hubs where people converge, families enjoy, and tourists experience Iloilo City’s rich culture.
To complement the redevelopment, the USWAG Negosyo Academy aims to professionalize vendors through comprehensive trainings on entrepreneurship, online payments, food safety, sanitation, branding, packaging, marketing, and merchandising.
More than 700 of the nearly 2,000 trained market vendors are from the Central and Terminal markets.
Additionally, the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), standardizes hospitality services among frontline workers, enhancing the overall experience of market visitors.
Another promising collaboration, Palengke Tourism, also in partnership with the DOT, empowers tourism stakeholders to transform local markets into immersive cultural experiences that celebrate Iloilo’s heritage and local produce.
With Iloilo City’s designation as the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the new markets are poised to become prime venues for culinary tours, further enriching the city’s tourism and cultural landscape.
The completion of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets stands as a testament to unity, perseverance, and political will. It is proof that with strong leadership, public trust, and meaningful partnerships, long-held dreams can indeed come true for the people of Iloilo City./PN
