Central Market Debate Calls for Unified Solutions

The controversy surrounding the rehabilitation of the Iloilo Central Market has exposed not only the tensions between development and heritage conservation but also the pressing need for clearer communication and collaboration among the various stakeholders. Government agencies, cultural conservation groups, and private developers must come together to find common ground and establish more transparent guidelines.

At the heart of the debate is the role of public-private partnerships in handling historically significant sites.

Recent discussions at the “People, Parks, Pavements and Palate” forum highlighted the lack of a clear consensus on how to approach such projects, as underscored by Hans Sy Jr. of SM Engineering Design & Development (SMEDD) Corp.

While Mr. Sy’s assertion that there are no “clear guidelines” on heritage conservation triggered concern, it must be emphasized that the Philippines already has a robust legal framework for this matter.

SMEDD is part of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI), which is spearheading the Central Market rehabilitation in Iloilo City.

Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, provides specific guidance on protecting cultural heritage, while the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Department Order No. 58 requires developers to secure the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) approval before altering or demolishing structures over 50 years old. These provisions are clear enough, and if gaps exist, it lies in implementation and coordination.

The recent demolition of the Iloilo Central Market’s art deco facade, declared unsafe by local authorities, raises important questions about how these guidelines are followed in practice. The structure, already identified as a presumed important cultural property, should have undergone a rigorous heritage impact assessment before any major changes were implemented.

The larger issue at play is not the lack of guidelines, but rather the apparent disconnect between the law and its application in public-private partnership (PPP) projects such as this one. Given the investment at stake—P1.5 billion for the Central Market’s rehabilitation—government agencies, developers, and cultural conservation advocates must come together and revisit the legal mandates governing these projects. The public deserves transparency and assurance that heritage sites will not be compromised in the name of progress.

These conflicting perspectives highlight the need for dialogue. On one side, developers like SMPHI argue for modernization to provide public utility, while conservationists emphasize preserving historical identity.

The recent demolition of the market’s art deco façade has amplified this division, and administrative charges against Mayor Jerry Treñas underline the complexity of the issue.

Rather than allowing this dispute to deepen, it should serve as a springboard for intelligent discussions on how the public and private sectors can collaborate in striking the right balance between development and preservation. Clearer policies, more stringent assessments, and above all, open communication, are the only way forward in ensuring that Iloilo’s heritage is safeguarded while allowing progress to continue.

But perhaps more worrisome is the lack of consistent enforcement of existing heritage laws at the local level. Moving forward, local and national authorities must work with developers to ensure that modernization efforts are in line with conservation efforts. This is not just about preserving bricks and mortar; it is about retaining Iloilo’s identity for future generations.

Both sides need to realize that compromise is possible and necessary. Intelligent, well-regulated conservation can coexist with modernization, but only if conversations are open and policies are aligned.

The Central Market debate should serve as a wake-up call and push for a more holistic, law-abiding approach to heritage conservation. There is much to gain if the public and private sectors work together, and much to lose if cultural treasures are sacrificed in the name of modernization.