Calle Real: Handle with Care

The proposal to establish a regular night market on Calle Real is, on its surface, an excellent idea.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu’s vision to revitalize the historic street while championing micro-entrepreneurs is commendable, and we cannot agree more with her plan. It builds on the success of past temporary markets and aligns with the city’s vibrant identity as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

But enthusiasm alone does not guarantee success. As we move from celebratory, occasional events to a permanent fixture, the city must address critical details with precision and foresight. The long-term health of Calle Real – both as a cultural treasure and a commercial hub – demands that this promising concept be handled with utmost care.

First, we must not forget what Calle Real is: it is not just another street. It is the core of a heritage zone recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The buildings that line it are protected by Republic Act No. 10066, the National Cultural Heritage Act. This designation is a privilege that carries a profound responsibility. Any commercial activity must be subordinate to the primary goal of preservation. A permanent market will bring recurring logistical stress: cooking fumes that can stain and damage century-old facades, waste liquids seeping into pavement, and the potential for unregulated structures to cheapen its historic character. A vague promise to “clean the area early in the morning” is insufficient for a national landmark. A proactive, stringent heritage management plan is not optional; it is a legal and cultural imperative.

Second, the logistical challenges of traffic and sanitation cannot be underestimated. JM Basa Street is a primary artery in the City Proper, an area already prone to significant traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Closing a portion of this artery regularly will have ripple effects across the district. The Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit must present a clear, data-driven plan that details rerouting schemes and addresses the inevitable surge in demand for parking. Furthermore, with Iloilo City generating over 400 tons of solid waste daily, a successful night market will only add to this burden. A comprehensive solid waste and wastewater management plan for the vendors must be in place from day one to prevent Calle Real from becoming a victim of its own success.

Finally, the city must address the economic impact on existing businesses. Studies on night markets in other urban centers, such as Bangkok and Taipei, show a complex relationship with brick-and-mortar stores. While they can increase overall foot traffic, they can also create direct, and often unfair, competition for established retailers who pay year-round rent, property taxes, and higher operational costs.

The city must answer: How will it ensure the night market complements, rather than cannibalizes, the sales of the shops that form the permanent backbone of Calle Real’s economy? Will there be product curation to prevent direct overlap and foster a symbiotic relationship?

To be clear, the goal is not to oppose this initiative. The goal is to perfect it. A successful Calle Real Night Market is one that thrives a decade from now, celebrated not just for its food but for its order, cleanliness, and seamless integration with the heritage around it. Before the first monobloc chair is set up for a permanent run, the public deserves to see the detailed blueprints for heritage preservation, traffic and waste management, and economic integration.

Calle Real is the soul of our city. Let us ensure we are nurturing it, not simply exploiting it.