ILOILO CITY UNVEILS BETTER, SAFER, MODERN PUBLIC MARKETS FOR ILONGGOS

Views of the newly redeveloped Arevalo Public Market façade and interiors highlight Iloilo City...

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ILOILO City –The Iloilo City Government’s commitment to providing better and safer markets for its residents was highlighted yesterday, December 1, 2025, with the soft opening of the newly redeveloped Arevalo Public Market to allow vendors to move in and prepare for full operations.

The formal opening program is set for Friday, December 5. This marks the first of three major district markets scheduled for inauguration this month.

The December rollout will continue with the inauguration of the Jaro Big Market on December 10 and the La Paz Public Market on December 16, completing another milestone in the city’s ongoing modernization program.

These city-funded redevelopment of the markets are part of a comprehensive public market initiative first conceptualized and launched under former Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who prepared the plans and initiated construction.

Under Mayor Raisa Treñas, the projects were completed with a focus on safety, accessibility, and modern conveniences, ensuring that the markets not only preserve heritage but also meet contemporary standards for public use.

The city mayor highlighted the significance of these upgrades in improving daily life for both vendors and consumers.

“These markets were developed to provide spaces where our people can shop safely and vendors can work with dignity. My father began these projects with a vision for better and safer markets, and I am honored to see that vision fulfilled,” said Mayor Raisa.

This progress follows the successful opening of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Public Markets on October 30, 2025. Further expanding the city’s network of modern, climate-resilient, and vendor-focused public markets, the redevelopment of the city’s two biggest public markets was realized through a public private partnership between the city government and SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

The Arevalo Public Market now accommodates 179 kiosks from 117 existing vendors, with parking for 36 cars and 12 motorcycles. Its modern features include an elevator, access stairs, public utility jeepney (PUJ) loading and unloading bay, delivery bays, solar panels, generator sets, a mechanical sprinkler and public address system, a rainwater harvesting facility, and green landscaping. Designed with elevated floors, high ceilings, and wide walkways, the market enhances comfort and safety beside the historic Arevalo Plaza.

The Jaro Big Market redevelopment honors the district’s mestizo heritage while offering 547 new kiosks, parking for 68 cars and 62 motorcycles, elevators, delivery bays, and a CCTV system. Wet areas are located on the elevated ground floor, while dry goods and parking occupy the second floor, blending heritage with modern convenience.

The La Paz Public Market, home of the famous La Paz Batchoy, will open on December 16. It features 423 new kiosks, parking for 62 cars and 20 motorcycles, elevators, PUJ bays, rainwater harvesting, and improved sanitation systems. The iconic Art Deco gateway along Huervana Street is preserved, while the layout enhances safety, accessibility, and culinary tourism.

Market Management and Operations

All three markets will be managed by the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO). Electricity is sub-metered and jointly monitored by vendors and the LGU, rental rates remain unchanged, and operations are guided by Regulation Ordinance No. 2019-316, ensuring fair and transparent governance.

“Everything we implement in the markets is anchored on our city’s Market Code to ensure safety, fairness, and transparency for both vendors and consumers,” LEEO Head Maricel Mabaquiao emphasized.

Complementing infrastructure upgrades, the City Government has equipped market vendors with essential skills since 2023, including food handling and safety, financial literacy, digitalization, customer service, business registration, service quality, and business operations.

Training was delivered through the Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA), Accelerated Capacity Training for Market Vendors, and Digicities Masterclasses, facilitated by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office in partnership with various stakeholders.