FALSE ALARM: Contrary to Mayor’s Announcement, Markets’ Reopening Delayed to 2025

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

It was true until it wasn’t.

The much-anticipated reopening of Jaro, La Paz, and Arevalo district markets in Iloilo City will not happen in December 2024 as previously announced, according to the City Engineer’s Office.

Architect Regina Gregorios of the City Engineer’s Office said the transfer of vendors to the renovated markets has been delayed due to ongoing construction.

“It’s difficult to move in at this time because, as you know, there are still finishing works to be done. We would rather have it completely finished so that the transfer will be seamless,” Gregorios said at a press conference on Monday, November 25.

Gregorios emphasized that moving vendors into unfinished facilities could pose safety risks and delay overall project completion.

In May, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas announced the markets would reopen by December 2024.

A May 31 Facebook post by the Iloilo City Government supported the announcement, stating that the La Paz Public Market would “most likely join other city public markets set to be completed and ready for vendors’ occupancy by December 2024,” citing Treñas’ assessment during his visit.

Gregorios, however, said the mayor had already been advised that meeting the December deadline was no longer feasible.

Construction Updates

Phase 1 of the Arevalo Market construction is complete as of November, but the Jaro and La Paz markets are still under construction.

Gregorios said Phase 1 of the Jaro and La Paz markets, which includes structural work, roofing, doors, and windows, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025.

Delays in these markets are attributed to contractors’ requests for extensions and challenges related to transferring displaced vendors.

“Hopefully, we can complete Phase 1 of Jaro and La Paz by early first quarter,” Gregorios said.

Phase 2 construction, which will complete the markets, is expected to begin after the bidding process in early 2025. The markets are now projected to reopen to vendors by late 2025 or early 2026.

The Arevalo Market, which is smaller than the other two, is targeted for completion by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Budget Considerations

Gregorios noted that Phase 2 plans are still being finalized, particularly budget allocations for remaining work.

“We cannot complete the Phase 2 computation unless Phase 1 is nearing completion, as this will determine the remaining requirements to complete the market,” she said.

The renovation of the three district markets is funded by a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.

This development further delays the reopening of the district markets, leaving displaced vendors waiting longer to return to their stalls.