ILOILO City – A modernized Jaro Big Market reopened on Wednesday, December 10, becoming a fully rebuilt two-level facility now capable of accommodating more than 840 vendors.
Previously, the market hosted only 122 stallholders and 171 transient vendors.
The new facility now features 547 purpose-built kiosks across two floors, enough to absorb all legitimate vendors and welcome new micro-entrepreneurs into the city’s growing retail economy.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, who led the inauguration, said the upgraded market showcases the city’s commitment to building modern, resilient, and people-centered public spaces anchored in local culture.
“You can now see how beautiful our market has become, cleaner, more organized, wider, and able to accommodate all legitimate vendors,” Treñas said. “We now have proper parking and improved facilities so vendors and customers can enjoy a better environment and livelihood experience.”
She also paid tribute to her father, former mayor Jerry Treñas, underscoring that the redevelopment fulfills a vision that began during his administration.
“What was once just a dream is now standing before us,” she said. “From the planning during my father’s administration to its completion today, this project is something all Ilonggos can proudly claim. No more leaking roofs, no more muddy floors — our vendors now have a safe, clean, and dignified place to work.”
Treñas emphasized that the project goes beyond infrastructure.
“This market is your legacy too,” she told vendors. “This is where your livelihood comes from, where you support your families, where dreams are built for your children.”
A Heritage-Inspired Modern Facility
Although the market retains its original footprint, it has been reconstructed into a contemporary, fully equipped commercial hub. Key features include:
* Parking for 68 cars, 62 motorcycles, and 10 transport vehicles
* Multiple access points, including an elevator and ramps for improved mobility
* A designated PUJ loading and unloading bay along El 98 Street
* Dedicated delivery bays and a service road for efficient logistics
The ground floor houses the wet market and transport areas, while the upper level accommodates dry goods, services, and elevated parking. High ceilings, widened walkways, and a heritage-inspired architectural profile pay homage to the traditional homes of Jaro’s “mestizo district” while optimizing natural ventilation.
Safer, More Resilient, Vendor-Friendly
The facility also introduces major upgrades in safety, sanitation, and climate resilience:
* Sprinkler system
* Generator set and public address system
* Rainwater harvesting facility
* Septic vault and cistern tanks
* Individual grease traps for wet-section stalls
* Provision for a sewage treatment plant
* An expanded CCTV network for enhanced security
Despite the overhaul, rental fees remain affordable — P790 to P1,021 per month depending on stall type — ensuring accessibility for small-scale vendors./PN
