ILOILO City – The newly-redeveloped public district markets stand as another strong testament to Iloilo City’s commitment to continuity, shared leadership, and impactful governance.
It reflects a seamless transition of vision, planning, and implementation, which ensure that projects initiated in previous administrations are carried forward and brought to completion for the benefit of every Ilonggo.
This commitment was once again highlighted yesterday, December 1, 2025, with the soft opening of the newly redeveloped Arevalo Public Market — the first of three major district markets set for inauguration this month.
Although the market has been opened early to allow vendors to settle in and prepare for full operations, its formal opening program is scheduled for December 5.
The opening marks the beginning of a landmark December rollout, which will also see the inauguration of the Jaro Big Market on December 10 and the La Paz Public Market on December 16, completing yet another phase of the city’s sweeping modernization program.
This city-funded modernization of the three markets forms part of the comprehensive public market redevelopment initiative conceptualized and launched under former mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who prepared the plans and initiated construction.
The projects were completed under the leadership of Mayor Raisa Treñas, who ensured its continuity and fulfillment for the Ilonggo community.
The city mayor underscored the significance of unified governance in bringing long-term projects to completion.
“We are witnessing the fruits of long-term planning and shared leadership. My father began these projects with a vision for better, safer, and more dignified markets for our people. I am honored to see them through and finish them for the vendors and consumers who deserve nothing less,” she said.
This progress follows the successful soft opening of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Public Markets last October 30, 2025, further expanding the city’s network of modernized, vendor-focused, and climate-resilient public markets.
AREVALO PUBLIC MARKET — NOW OPEN
The Arevalo Public Market officially welcomed vendors and consumers on Monday. Inspired by the district’s Paraw Regatta Festival, the new two-storey structure features a striking paraw sail-like architectural fin that symbolizes movement, culture, and heritage.
From 117 existing vendors, the market can now accommodate a total of 179 kiosks, with parking spaces available for 36 cars and 12 motorcycles.
The market is equipped with an elevator and access stairs, a designated PUJ loading and unloading bay, delivery bays, solar panels, generator sets, a mechanical sprinkler and PA system, and a rainwater harvesting facility.
It also houses a Market Administration Office and CENRO Office on the mezzanine level and incorporates landscaped surroundings and green engineering principles. Supporting facilities include a septic vault, cistern tanks, individual grease traps for wet sections, and an STP.
Designed as a climate-resilient and well-ventilated public market with high ceilings, elevated floors, and wide walkways, the new Arevalo Market provides an enhanced consumer experience beside the historic Arevalo Plaza complex.
UP NEXT: JARO BIG MARKET
The two-storey Jaro Big Market redevelopment pays homage to the district’s Mestizo heritage through architectural elements inspired by its colonial-era ancestral houses.
It currently serves 122 existing stallholders and 171 transient vendors, and now offers 547 new kiosks — 330 on the ground floor and 217 on the second floor.
The market provides parking spaces for 68 cars, 62 motorcycles, and 10 transport units, and is equipped with an elevator, access stairs, a PUJ loading and unloading bay along El 98 Street, delivery bays, and a service road. Security and sanitation are supported through a CCTV system, septic vault, cistern tanks, individual grease traps, and provisions for an STP. Its design preserves the historic footprint of the original market while integrating modern features, placing wet sections on the elevated ground floor and dry goods and parking on the second floor to balance heritage character with contemporary commercial efficiency.
LA PAZ PUBLIC MARKET TO OPEN DEC. 16
The renewed La Paz Public Market blends heritage preservation and culinary identity, honoring its role as the birthplace of La Paz Batchoy.
It currently serves 359 existing vendors and now provides 423 new kiosks to accommodate growing commercial activity.
The market offers parking for 62 cars and 20 motorcycles and is equipped with an elevator, access stairs, a PUJ loading and unloading bay along Rizal Street, and delivery bays accessible through Arroyo Extension and Huervana Street.
Additional facilities include a rainwater harvesting system, a septic vault, cistern tanks, individual grease traps, and an STP to ensure efficient waste management.
Anchored on heritage, the redevelopment preserves the iconic Art Deco gateway along Huervana Street while introducing a modernized layout that enhances safety, inclusivity, district mobility, and culinary tourism.
MARKET MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS
The three markets will be managed by the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO).
Key Operational Policies include sub-metered electricity with vendor–LGU joint monitoring, rental rates remain unchanged, and governance guided by Regulation Ordinance No. 2019-316, ensuring fair and transparent operations.
“We are guided by Regulation Ordinance No. 2009-316 (Iloilo City Market Code). So tanan nga gina-implement naton sa markets, nakabutang dira sa ordinance naton,” LEEO head Maricel Mabaquiao said.
VENDOR EMPOWERMENT & TRAINING
To complement physical upgrades, the City Government trained market vendors in Food handling and safety, Financial literacy, Digitalization, Customer service, Business registration, Service quality, and Business operations since 2023.
Training programs were delivered through the Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA), Accelerated Capacity Training for Market Vendors, and digicities Masterclasses and were facilitated by the Loca Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office, in partnership with various stakeholders./PN
