NHCP Approves ‘Revised Plans’ On Iloilo Central Market Project

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) approved the revised amendatory plans submitted by the Iloilo City government for the reconstruction of the Iloilo Central Market, also known as “Tienda Mayor.”

This approval was confirmed in a letter from NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr., dated October 30, 2024, and shared by the Iloilo City government on its official Facebook page on December 5.

“We are amenable to the revised amendatory plans, which complied with all the conditions and comments given by this Commission to reconstruct the old market building while adapting to its new proposed function,” Jose said.

Iloilo City Architect Regina C. Gregorio submitted the revised plans on October 18, following feedback from the NHCP Board of Commissioners conveyed in a September 24 letter.

As of this writing, Daily Guardian is confirming the specific details of the revised plans and the NHCP’s comments.

With the plans now approved, Jose stated that periodic site inspections would be conducted by the NHCP’s technical team from the Historic Preservation Division to monitor compliance during implementation.

The redevelopment of the Iloilo Central Market has been controversial since its 80-year-old art deco façade — an Important Cultural Property — was demolished in April.

Rehabilitation of the Iloilo Central Market and the Iloilo Terminal Market began in September 2023 through a public-private partnership between the city government and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI).

In February 2023, then NHCP Chair Rene Escalante informed the city government that the agency was amenable to the redevelopment project as it would restore the original architectural character of the old market. However, the letter did not explicitly mention approval for demolishing the façade.

In May, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Board of Commissioners member Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares announced plans to investigate whether the demolition was properly authorized after the tower was deemed structurally unsound.

In June, Iloilo City business groups issued a statement urging the NHCP and the city government to expedite the market’s redevelopment.

In July, an administrative complaint was filed with the Ombudsman against Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, accusing him of grave misconduct, abuse of authority, and acts prejudicial to public service over the demolition.

In September, an official of SM Engineering Design & Development Corp., a subsidiary of SMPHI, admitted that the company lacked specific guidelines for redeveloping and maintaining cultural heritage properties.

It can be recalled that in May, Mayor Treñas announced plans to reopen the Iloilo Central Market by December 2024.