ILOILO City – The city government is poised to pour over P41 million more into the further improvements of three of its most prominent public spaces — Jaro Plaza, Mandurriao Plaza, and the La Paz Public Market — signaling one of the largest coordinated upgrade efforts in recent years to modernize community landmarks while preserving their historical and economic significance.
Separate invitations to bid published in late January detail projects collectively valued at P41.37 million, covering structural rehabilitation, facility improvements, and amenity upgrades aimed at enhancing sanitation, safety, accessibility, and public comfort.
City officials said the projects form part of a broader urban renewal push designed to ensure that Iloilo’s neighborhood-level infrastructure keeps pace with rapid district growth and rising public demand for quality open spaces and market facilities.
P18.72M FOR JARO PLAZA
The largest allocation — P18.72 million — is earmarked for the further improvement of Jaro Plaza, one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks located near heritage structures and long associated with religious and civic activities.
Published on January 29, 2026, the bid notice outlines civil works intended to further upgrade plaza facilities while respecting the site’s historical character. The project carries a 150-calendar-day completion period. A pre-bid conference was held on February 6, with bid submission and opening scheduled for February 20, 2026.
P12.99M FOR LA PAZ PUBLIC MARKET
For the newly-rehabilitated La Paz Public Market, the city allocated P12.99 million more.
The project, published on January 22, 2026, includes civil works to improve the market’s physical condition, sanitation, and operational efficiency.
The contract has a 90-calendar-day completion period.
A pre-bid conference was conducted on January 30, with bid submission and opening set for February 13, 2026.
The La Paz Public Market remains a major commercial center outside the downtown area, playing a crucial role in district-level food distribution and small business activity.
P9.66M FOR MANDURRIAO PLAZA
Meanwhile, P9.66 million has been set aside for further rehabilitation and improvement of Mandurriao Plaza, with the bid notice likewise published on January 22, 2026.
The 150-day project aims to enhance amenities and open-space functionality in one of Iloilo City’s fastest-growing districts, where residential and commercial developments have rapidly expanded. Bids for the project will be accepted until February 13, following the January 30 pre-bid conference.
PHASED IMPLEMENTATION
All three projects will undergo public bidding under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the New Government Procurement Act. The city government emphasized that bids exceeding the approved budget for each contract will automatically be rejected.
Construction is expected to proceed in phases once contracts are awarded to minimize disruption to vendors, residents, and plaza users./PN
