The blueprint is in the details

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Our September 30 editorial, “A Blueprint or a Warning?” got a lot of interest as to its aim and voice. It identified the Iloilo Central Market redevelopment as a pivotal moment for our city, and the questions it raises about the long-term welfare of our vendors are valid and necessary for public discourse.

However, while it is wise to be cautious, we must not be paralyzed by the fear of what could go wrong. Instead, we should focus on the clear path to what can, and must, go right. The editorial asks if this project will be a blueprint or a warning. I believe the answer lies not in future speculation, but in present-day commitment.

The key to ensuring this project becomes a celebrated blueprint is simple: City Hall must rigorously uphold the details of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement. This contract is the ultimate safeguard for all three major stakeholders.

First, it protects the vendors. The two-year rent freeze under Executive Order No. 021 is a welcome start, but the city’s long-term duty is to transparently communicate and enforce the contractual terms that will govern rental rates and conditions for the full 25-year duration. A deal is a deal, and the city must be its staunchest enforcer to protect our local entrepreneurs.

Second, it protects the private sector partner, SM Prime. They have committed a massive investment of up to PHP 2.5 billion. This capital is what makes the modernization possible. They, too, deserve the stability and predictability that comes from a faithfully executed contract, shielding their investment from political whims or baseless rumors.

Finally, by protecting the vendors and the investor, City Hall protects the project itself—and by extension, the public interest. A successful, well-managed market becomes a source of pride and economic vitality for Iloilo.

The “devil in the details” only becomes a threat if we ignore those details. By adhering to the agreed-upon terms, the city’s “supervisory authority” becomes more than just a phrase; it becomes a powerful tool for mutual success.

Let us urge City Hall to be the steadfast guardian of this agreement. By doing so, they ensure this landmark venture doesn’t just succeed, but becomes a model for progress across the country. Let’s make it, as we say nowadays, Sumakses.

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The partnership to redevelop the Iloilo Central Market extends beyond infrastructure, with SM Prime and its partners investing significantly in preparing vendors for a modernized marketplace. These initiatives aim to equip them with the skills and financial knowledge necessary to thrive.

Through the Uswag Negosyo Academy, more than 500 vendors from all city public markets have undergone extensive training. The program covered crucial topics such as Work Ethics, Service Quality, Digitalization, Food Safety, Customer Service, and Financial Literacy, providing a holistic business education.

Furthering this effort, the Iloilo Public Markets Capacity Development Program brought in industry experts to lead specialized seminars. Highlights include an entrepreneurship seminar with RJ Ledesma, customer service training from the SM Store, and financial literacy programs conducted by BDO. Practical support was also provided, with North Star and the National Meat Inspection Service leading food safety seminars for meat vendors, and the SM Foundation distributing food packs to around 2,400 vendors. In addition, the BDO Foundation donated P1-million for livelihood assistance.

Looking to the future, the partnership is also positioning the market as a cultural and tourism hub. A Community Tour Guiding Seminar was held in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 and the LGU. A “Palengke Tourism” program with the DOT is also in the pipeline. These efforts show a commitment not just to building a new market, but to ensuring the people within it are prepared for success.