SURVIVAL AND SALES: Iloilo City market vendors endure low income, unsafe stalls amid project delays

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Vegetable vendor Shalee Claveria has learned to adapt just to keep her business afloat amid ongoing delays in the redevelopment of the Iloilo Terminal Market by SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI).

Since being relocated to a makeshift stall in the early 2020s, Claveria said her income has dropped significantly compared to when she operated along Aldeguer Street, a prime foot-traffic area.

“I must say, it’s really far,” she said, referring to her current market site’s poor visibility and low customer turnout.

Before the relocation, Claveria earned up to PHP5,000 daily.

Now, she takes home only about PHP300 a day.

A vendor since she was five years old, she said she has seen the market evolve and how current conditions have become more difficult.

To survive, Claveria said she practices a “rolling income” strategy—reinvesting her daily earnings back into her business.

“Sell, then roll the income. Earn, then roll it again. That’s the idea,” she said.

Despite the reduced earnings, she remains grateful for any income.

“What matters to us is having some income—we still have children in school,” she added.

“We just have to keep going. What’s important is that our business continues. There are hard days, but we’re used to problems like this.”

Unsafe and Uncomfortable Stalls

For Helen Benilan, 58, a vegetable vendor of 20 years from San Juan, Molo, moving to a roadside stall hasn’t affected profits much, but it has made working conditions unsafe and uncomfortable.

Both she and Claveria were relocated near roads where public utility vehicles, including jeepneys, pass by.

Their stalls face the road, exposing them and their customers to daily risks.

“It’s really hard,” Claveria said.

“There are vehicles passing by. We get nervous, especially for our children. We worry they might get hit.”

She added they must be extremely cautious when vehicles pass close to their stalls.

Benilan said the situation worsens during rainy weather.

Without proper shelter, customers get soaked, forcing them to leave or squeeze into limited space under makeshift coverings.

“It’s hard when it rains,” Benilan said.

“The customers get wet. It’s not just me—they try to squeeze inside because our stall is too small.”

Currently, both pay PHP600 per month for rent, with stall rates varying depending on location and visibility.

Mayor Jerry Treñas announced a two-year moratorium on market rental increases from 2025 to 2026 to ease the financial burden on vendors transitioning into the new facilities.

Another Delay

The anticipated reopening of the redeveloped Iloilo Terminal and Central Markets has once again been postponed.

Displaced vendors are now expected to move in by September 2025, with a full public opening by October.

Redevelopment officially began in September 2023, with the original completion target set for December 2024.

That date was later moved to May 2025, and now to September.

Despite the delays, Claveria and Benilan said they have no choice but to wait.

“It’s okay. It’s not something that can be rushed. That’s a big building,” Claveria said.

“What’s important is that there’s a place for us once it’s done.”

She added that she will reserve judgment until she sees the completed market.

Benilan agreed.

“That’s fine. It’s such a big building. These things can’t be rushed.”

Mixed Views on Modernization

When asked about their thoughts on the redevelopment, vendors expressed mixed reactions, especially with SMPHI securing a 25-year lease to modernize both markets.

Claveria supports rehabilitation in principle but is cautious about potential rent hikes and whether small vendors like her will remain a priority.

“Rehabilitation is fine,” she said.

“But since it’s SM handling it, who knows? The rent might go up. I can’t say for sure. We’ll just wait and see.”

Benilan, however, welcomed the change, citing the poor condition of the old market.

“It’s better if it’s new,” she said.

“The old one was dirty. The roof leaked, and the windows were cracked.”

The two public markets were redeveloped to create a sustainable, modern, multi-use complex that supports commerce while preserving their role as key trade hubs in Iloilo City.

The project aims to address long-standing issues like overcrowding, poor sanitation, and outdated infrastructure.

The new facilities will feature solar panels, natural lighting and ventilation, and upgraded systems for waste management and fire safety.

They will also offer parking for up to 500 vehicles to ease congestion.

The redevelopment is expected to generate about 2,000 jobs during both construction and operation phases, contributing to the city’s economic growth.