TALISAY City in Negros Occidental now has a new public market.
On July 18, the city’s P340-million, two-storey modern public market, situated on a three-hectare property in Hacienda Sia, Barangay 12-A, was blessed and inaugurated.
The official opening was marked by day-and-night festivities, from a Zumba session and a boodle fight to a musical concert, making it a truly grand celebration.
But beyond the fanfare and the watershed event lies an irrefutable reality worth celebrating even more — a loud success over loud critics.
FIRING LINE
Yes, from its conception in 2019, to the start of construction in 2022, and finally to its completion in 2026, the new Talisay Public Market placed former mayor Neil Lizares squarely on the firing line.
And that is the gist of this piece.
The former mayor weathered criticism from various sectors and opposing political camps.
The market even became a political weapon against Lizares during the 2022 elections and later against his wife, now Mayor Weng Lopez-Lizares, in the 2025 polls.
This means the new market is not only a landmark of Talisay City’s continuing progress and development, but also a symbol of the city’s intensely competitive political landscape.
WITH PROBITY
Former mayor Lizares remained indefatigable. He pursued his dream of building a modern public market for the dignity and welfare of Talisay’s vendors.
The man behind the “Gwapo nga Serbisyo” slogan proved himself to be a focused, visionary, and development-oriented public servant.
Despite the disapproval and criticism, Lizares never stooped to the level of his detractors or political opponents. Instead, he remained calm, composed, and unwavering, addressing the issues surrounding the market with probity and quiet confidence.
VANQUISHER
Yes, Lizares completed his third and final term as mayor in 2025 with only a few finishing touches left on the new public market.
His successor — and wife — Mayor Weng Lopez-Lizares recognized the project’s significance and ensured its completion within her first year in office.
Mission accomplished. The project was successfully delivered.
Thus, the former mayor emerged not merely as a victor, but as a vanquisher.
Today, the new Talisay Public Market stands as Lizares’ monumental triumph over his critics. It has become an enduring imprint on the city’s history and heritage.
No matter how harsh or distasteful the attacks against him were, one fact remains: he overcame them all and built a legacy that will serve generations of Talisaynons.
This is not fiction. This is candid truth.
SILENCE THE NOISE
Lizares is one of the rare breeds of politicians Talisay — and perhaps even Negros Occidental — has produced.
His artistic style of leadership, coupled with a high standard of professionalism, enabled him to silence the noise in a classy manner without resorting to defensive rhetoric.
What did he do?
He simply carried out his vision, taking control of the narrative without uttering invectives. Call it execution over explanation.
Remember, the loudest critics are often the most eager spectators of someone else’s performance.
These critics have proven little except their ability to distract the “best actor.” But once you give in to their whims, you risk losing focus and forgetting the script of your own vision.
Lizares chose a different path. He allowed speculation and accusations to reach their peak, yet he remained unshaken. He maintained his composure, avoided unnecessary political wrinkles, and stayed focused until his dream market became a reality.
What a valuable lesson. Move at your own pace. Stay at peace amid the noise.
Because undeniable success, as many have said, is always the ultimate answer to ridicule. It eventually compels even those who once doubted you to acknowledge and respect your accomplishments.
And that, in many ways, is former Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares — imperfect, yes, but undeniably a charismatic maverick./PN
