BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: Enhancing Iloilo City’s Growth through Market Redevelopment

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ILOILO CITY – As Iloilo City continues to cement its reputation as a hub of progress and innovation, the redevelopment of its public markets stands as a testament to its commitment to urban growth and economic modernization.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas emphasized that the redevelopment of city-run public markets, including the two largest—the Iloilo Central and Terminal markets through a public-private partnership between the Iloilo City Government and SM Prime Holdings Inc., will stimulate economic growth and create employment and livelihood opportunities for the Ilonggos.

The upgraded markets will feature state-of-the-art amenities, including well-zoned spaces, ample parking areas, and advanced management systems. These improvements will make the markets more organized, accessible, and convenient for vendors and marketgoers alike.

Another most significant impact of these projects is job creation as more vendors will be accommodated inside the redeveloped markets.

The project also places great importance on supporting local vendors by providing cleaner, safer, and more organized spaces for their businesses. This upgrade will enhance their operations and ensure better customer experiences.

Long considered as one of the lifeblood of the city’s commerce, and with improved facilities and enhanced accessibility, more customers are anticipated to flock to the markets, creating a thriving hub of commerce.

Moreover, the redevelopment also aims to turn the markets into tourist destinations, showcasing the rich culture and unique products not only of the city but also of the Iloilo province and the entire region.

Like famous markets in other countries, the Central and Terminal Markets aspire to become must-visit spots for both locals and tourists.

The city mayor said  the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets is a bold step toward a brighter future for the metropolis. It is a transformation that every Ilonggo can take pride in.

Earlier, several Iloilo-based business groups have expressed their strong support for the redevelopment of the Central and Terminal markets.

According to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter (PCCI-Iloilo) in its letter of support, the project will benefit the vendors and also further improve the business activities in the areas.

The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (ILEDF) has emphasized that the redevelopment project will play a vital role in addressing health concerns and enhancing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for the community.

The group highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative. “The project will upgrade essential economic locations, further solidifying Iloilo City’s status as one of the country’s premier investment destinations,” ILED noted.

Similarly, the POPA Agricultural Cooperative commended the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project for its direct impact on the lives of Ilonggos. POPA Chairman Johnny Que described the endeavor as transformative, saying, “The ripple effect of the benefits generated by this project will be felt across the entire Region 6 soon after it becomes operational.”

The Iloilo MICE Alliance (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events), on its part, also recognized the modernization of the two public markets as a “significant economic development project.”

Iloilo MICE Chairperson Natalie U. Lim underlined the importance of bridging farm-to-market gaps faced by Iloilo producers, emphasizing that these improvements will make Iloilo products more accessible and widely available.

“Addressing this gap will bring Iloilo City closer to its goal of becoming one of the country’s top investment and MICE destinations,” Lim added.