Iloilo Public Market Vendors Welcome Early Gains From Modern Markets

ILOILO CITY — Vendors at the newly modernized Iloilo Central and Terminal Public Markets are expressing optimism as the redevelopment of the city’s traditional marketplaces begins to deliver early benefits for their businesses. With improved sanitation, a more organized layout, and a cleaner, more comfortable environment for both vendors and customers, many stall owners say the modern facilities have attracted more customers and created better opportunities for sales.

The modernization introduced a more pleasant environment for daily transactions. Customers now enjoy spacious aisles and designated areas that reduce congestion, encouraging longer visits and repeat trips.

The redevelopment of the city’s two largest public markets stands as an innovative hybrid Public-Private Partnership that brings together private sector expertise and public sector stewardship. Under the agreement, the city government retains ownership of the property and continues to manage and lease the market areas, ensuring that the markets remain accessible and responsive to the needs of vendors, shoppers, and the wider community.

The initiative also reflects SM’s way of giving back to the Ilonggos who have supported the brand for nearly five decades, since the opening of SM Delgado in the 1970s—strengthening its long-standing commitment to community development and local economic growth.

Vendors note that these improvements have directly translated into stronger sales.

Joelle Iubel Janeo, third-generation owner of Rawit’s Native Lechon Manok, established in 1975, shared that business has been performing well since the improvements. Their stall at the second floor of the Iloilo Central Public Market now offers more comfortable space for customers.

“ Nami ang amon kita kag sold out man ang amon native lechon manok everyday(Sales are doing good and our native lechon manok is sold out everyday),” Janeo said, noting that customers appreciate the improved layout and the ease of dining and purchasing in a more organized setting.

For wholesalers like Jennifer Continente, modernization has simplified day-to-day operations. She highlighted the ease and convenience of doing business now that vendors are properly assigned and organized in their respective spaces.

With a clearer layout, distribution has become more efficient, and collecting payments from vendor-clients is more systematic. Hapos na lang sa akon manukot kay ari ng sila diri (sa isa ka lugar) and hapos lng sa akon maglibot libot (It’s easier for me to do collections because they are just in one place and it is easier for me to go around the area,” she shared, emphasizing how order and structure contribute to smoother business flow.

Cyril’s Eatery owner Myra Acdol attests that business is really doing good with their new area at the Central Market. Same sentiment was echoed by Deleonian owner Dave Casumpang who said that the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central Public Market is a big help for the local economy and local businesses.

 

 

Beyond vendors, regular customers are also experiencing the benefits of the upgraded market.

Ms. Christine Benadero, council adviser of the College of Business and Accountancy at the University of Iloilo, expressed her positive experience shopping in the nearby market. She shared that she can conveniently buy fresh goods at the public market and easily cross over to SM Iloilo Central Market to shop for other essentials.

“It’s very convenient to do everything in one place,” she said, highlighting how accessibility between the market and mall areas enhances her overall shopping experience.

Sales consultant Lalaine Nobleza, also expressed her appreciation for the new Iloilo Terminal Market as she now frequently visits because it is very suitable for her to go buy at the public market and grab some eats and do additional groceries at the mall side of the building. “Nami na gid kay sang-una makadto pako kung diin para mag grocery, subong hapos na kay ari na di tanan”( It is really nice because before, I still have to go somewhere else but now it is really easy because the public market and the grocery is all here)”.

The modernization has also paved the way for Iconic Ilonggo brands to thrive in a refreshed environment.

Among them is Madge Café, an iconic coffee shop established in La Paz district in the 1940s, now operating at SM Iloilo Central Market, 3^rd generation owner Ma. Teresa Dela Cruz- Solijon continues to brew tradition while embracing the opportunities of a modern commercial space.

Adjacent to the café is Balay Tablea, founded in 2014 by  Catherine Villalobos-Taleon with the advocacy of uplifting women in Cabatuan town through cacao-based products. Now operating its first mall store, Balay Tablea is beginning to reap the early benefits of increased foot traffic and stronger market exposure.

Mayor Raisa S. Treñas expressed optimism over the positive developments in the city-run modern markets.

“This is exactly why we pursued the modernization of our public markets — to provide our vendors with a more comfortable and organized space to do business, and ultimately help improve their sales and income. We also envision our markets as tourism destinations. By creating a cleaner, more accessible, and more attractive environment, we can draw in more locals and visitors. Increased foot traffic means greater opportunities and higher income for our vendors,” Mayor Treñas said.

As daily visitors continue to grow, vendors remain hopeful that modernization will sustain higher sales and stronger customer loyalty. The combination of improved sanitation, organized spaces, and convenient access between public market and mall has created a dynamic ecosystem where traditional businesses and new ventures alike can flourish.

With tradition preserved and progress embraced, Iloilo’s modernized markets stand as a testament to how thoughtful development can empower local entrepreneurs while elevating the overall shopping experience for the Ilonggo community. (Advertorial)