ILOILO City – Three of Iloilo City’s largest district markets will reopen next month after undergoing massive redevelopment — a milestone Mayor Raisa Treñas says fulfills and preserves the vision started under her father, former mayor Jerry Treñas.
The Arevalo Public Market (Dec. 1), Jaro Big Market (Dec. 10), and La Paz Public Market (Dec. 16) are set for soft opening schedules throughout December 2025, marking one of the city’s biggest public market modernization rollouts in decades.
“These projects were started during the time of my father. He envisioned these markets, he initiated the construction, and he made sure the foundation was strong. As mayor, I made sure to finish what he started — para sa vendors, para sa pumuluyo, kag para sa mas maayo nga Iloilo,” Treñas said.
The three markets, each designed to reflect the culture and identity of their districts, integrate modern facilities, improved mobility, energy-efficient systems, and expanded vending spaces to strengthen small businesses and stimulate local commerce.
Arevalo Public Market
The design and identity are inspired by Arevalo district’s iconic Paraw Regatta Festival. The two-storey market showcases an architectural fin symbolizing movement and maritime heritage.
* Capacity – Existing vendors, 117; new kiosks, 179
* Parking – 36 cars, 12 motorcycles
* Key features – stairs and elevator; delivery bays; PUJ loading/unloading zones; solar panels, generator sets; sprinkler and public address systems; rainwater harvesting; upgraded waste management; CCTV-enhanced security
* Rental Rates — 2×4 stall is P31.62/day; 2×2 stall is P20.38/day; 1×3 table is P10.36/day
Jaro Big Market
Known as the city’s Mestizo District, Jaro’s character inspired the Jaro Big Market’s colonial-era architectural style, blending historical elegance with modern functionality.
Capacity – Existing vendors; 122 stallholders; 171 transient; New kiosks –547 (330 ground floor, 217 second floor)
* Parking – 68 cars, 62 motorcycles
* Facilities – stairs and elevator; PUJ loading/unloading bays; rainwater harvesting; waste management; CCTV security
* Rental Rates – P790 to P1,021/month, depending on stall category
La Paz Public Market
With La Paz district known as the home of the world-famous La Paz Batchoy, the La Paz Public Market underwent extensive upgrades while preserving its 1930s Art Deco gateway along Huervana Street.
* Capacity – Existing vendors, 359; New kiosks, 423
* Parking – 62 cars, 20 motorcycles
* Facilities – ramps and elevators; PUJ loading/unloading areas; integrated waste management systems; CCTV security
* Heritage façade integrated with the renovated structure
Vendor Empowerment Programs
To prepare vendors for modernized operations, the city rolled out training under the Uswag Negosyo Academy, Accelerated Capacity Training, and digicities Masterclasses.
Topics included:
* Food handling and management
* Financial literacy
* Digitalization
* Customer service
* Business registration and operations
* Service quality improvement
Market Management
The city government’s Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) will manage all three markets, ensuring uniform policies and vendor support. During the soft-opening phase, sub-meters for electricity will be installed to ensure transparent billing and consumption monitoring.
The upgraded markets serve as cultural landmarks and economic hubs, merging heritage preservation with a forward-looking approach to commerce, mobility, and sustainability.
These revitalized district markets represent a major stride toward a modern, inclusive, and culturally grounded Iloilo City, as the community prepares to reclaim these spaces that honor tradition while embracing progress./PN