Ajuy opens PHP 130 million business park, barangay hall

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — The municipality of Ajuy inaugurated two major infrastructure projects Thursday, Sept. 10, aimed at strengthening local economic activity and improving community services.

The projects include the PHP 130 million Ajuy Business Park and a PHP 4.1 million multipurpose hall in Barangay Puente Bunglas that will also serve as an emergency evacuation center.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the inauguration of both facilities, which coincided with Ajuy’s municipal fiesta.

Ajuy is a first-class municipality in Iloilo with a population of 54,100 across 34 barangays, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Census of Population.

The three-story Ajuy Business Park will serve as the municipality’s new public market and a major commercial center.

Built in three phases using the municipality’s 20% development fund, the facility covers more than 3,000 square meters.

The ground floor is intended for local market vendors, while the second floor will accommodate commercial enterprises.

The facility also features a roof deck overlooking the municipality.

Defensor described public markets as an important indicator of the local economy, noting that they bring together consumers, vendors, farmers, and other producers.

“Our public market is the center of our livelihood and community life. I always say that if you want to understand the province’s economy, go to the market,” he said.

Defensor said he also visits public markets to buy goods and observe conditions faced by farmers and local producers.

To complete the commercial complex, Defensor committed PHP 41.5 million for a dedicated wet market building at the back of the business park.

Mayor Loida Espinosa said the additional space would help accommodate products from local farmers and fisherfolk.

“This is a historical event in the municipality of Ajuy. This represents the future of Ajuy and the future of our vendors. Every stall represents your hard work,” Espinosa said.

Meanwhile, the provincial government said more than 1,300 residents of Barangay Puente Bunglas would benefit from the newly inaugurated multipurpose hall.

The PHP 4.1 million facility was funded through the Iloilo provincial government’s National Tax Allotment.

The facility replaces the barangay’s old hall, which was in an inaccessible and congested area.

Its new location along the highway provides easier access, particularly because Puente Bunglas is near the boundary of Ajuy and Concepcion.

The hall will serve as the barangay’s administrative center while providing temporary shelter during disasters.

Espinosa said the facility is particularly useful because Puente Bunglas serves as a catchment area in northern Iloilo and frequently experiences flooding during heavy rains.

“This area always floods whenever it rains. Now, residents have a place to seek shelter when flooding occurs,” she said.

The inauguration was attended by Vice Mayor Jett Rojas, Board Member Rolex Suplico, Department of Trade and Industry Iloilo OIC-Provincial Director Ma. Dorita Chaves, Iloilo Police Provincial Director Bayani Razalan, and other private-sector partners.

Sara Mayor Jon Aying also attended the event in support of the municipality.