ILOILO — Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has thrown his support behind Iloilo City’s stance on regulating bolanteros (ambulant vendors) at the Iloilo Terminal Market, while simultaneously advancing a long-term provincial plan to establish an alternative food terminal that could reshape market access for farmers and vendors.
The governor made it clear he would not interfere with the city government’s authority over its roads and public facilities, even as tensions persist between city authorities and itinerant vendors at “Super”, the popular name of the Iloilo Terminal Market
“Sa pag-manage sang kalsada kag facilities sang syudad, we should respect that. I understand nga may plano ang Iloilo City para sa aton mga bolantero, respetohon ta ina,” Defensor said.
While backing the city’s policy direction, Defensor revealed that the provincial government is working on a strategic, long-term solution — the establishment of a food terminal or farmers’ market that would directly connect producers from the province to buyers.
He said initial groundwork has already begun, including consultations with concerned offices and stakeholders, although the project remains in its early stages.
The proposed facility aims to serve as a centralized trading hub where agricultural products from across Iloilo province can be brought closer to urban markets, easing the burden on farmers who currently transport their goods individually to the city.
Defensor acknowledged, however, that funding remains a major constraint, noting that such infrastructure typically requires national government support. In the meantime, the province is exploring partnerships with the private sector to bring the project to life.
The governor added that the success of this plan will largely depend on identifying a suitable location, with no specific timeline yet set for its implementation.
Once realized, the food terminal will be open to all vendors, including bolanteros from both the province and Iloilo City, offering them a more organized and sustainable marketplace./PN
