Vendors worry over limited spaces, hope for better sales in new market

1 of 14

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Elena* had hoped for a larger space for her vegetable stall in the privately developed Iloilo Terminal (Super) Market — only to find that her new area was even smaller than her previous one.

On Tuesday, October 28, she visited her assigned space on the market’s second floor, which she obtained through a draw-lots process.

Alongside her husband, she inspected how they could fit their goods into what she described as a “limited” area.

In the old market, Elena said their stall measured roughly 3 by 3 meters — about 9 square meters — enough to display their full range of merchandise.

The new stall, however, is significantly smaller at only 1.4 by 2.2 meters, or just over 3 square meters — barely a third of the space they once had.

“Dako or kung gamay, wala naman kami may mahimo,” she said.

(Big or small, there’s nothing that we can do already.)

Despite the limited space, Elena said they chose not to complain, knowing the selection was randomized and fearing it might affect potential assistance from authorities.

Joyce*, a meat vendor, said she is grateful to finally sell in a more modern facility and is hopeful the new environment will attract more customers, especially since her stall is on the ground floor and easily accessible.

Her concern, however, lies in the restrictions being enforced on vendors.

“Kay manug karne kami, need gid namun dako nga space especially kung mag hiwa ka baboy. Bawal man kami mag hiwa sa kilid sang amon pwesto,” she said.

(Since we’re selling meat, we really need a bigger space, especially when cutting pork. But we’re not allowed to do any cutting beside our stall.)

Like Elena, Joyce said they have no choice but to comply with the new rules.

Some fish and meat vendors began occupying their designated stalls on Tuesday, while demolition of temporary facilities used by relocated vendors continues as construction nears completion.

The Iloilo Central (Tienda Mayor) and Terminal Markets are scheduled for inauguration on October 30, following several delays.

While some vendors worry about their assigned spaces, others are more optimistic.

Joy Grace Buendia, a vegetable vendor from Baluarte who occupies a stall along the market’s sidewalk, said the modernization will help attract more buyers.

“At least naka plastar na kami. Nami gid ang pwesto ko kay front kami sa karsada,” she said.

(At least we’re already settled. I really like my spot because it’s right in front of the road.)

Inday*, a meat vendor for nearly three decades from Rizal Pala-Pala in the City Proper district, said she is content to finally transfer to the redeveloped market — even if some areas are still unfinished.

“Pero mas gusto gid namun nga nakasaylo na kami kay at least clear na ang pinsar namun nga ari na kami sa sulod sang market. Kung sa sagwa may ulan kag init kag indi mo mapakot nga gulpi lang ma clearing, diri yah stable na kami nga na plastar na kay manami gid ang market,” she said.

(We prefer being here because at least we’re now inside the market. Outside, we had to deal with rain and heat, and we always feared sudden clearing operations. Here, it’s more stable, and the market looks really nice.)

Inday said she had a good location in the old market, but the new one offers better organization and clearer rules.

“Maanad na lang na kami nga mga vendors sa bag o nga rules. Adjust adjust lang,” she said.

(We’ll just have to get used to the new rules. We’ll adjust as we go.)

While the city government has deferred any adjustment in market rental rates from 2025 to 2026, Inday said they hope future increases will not be too expensive.

The redevelopment of the two markets was made through a public-private partnership between the city government and SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI).

The city government signed a 25-year lease agreement with SMPHI in August 2022 for the project.

Officials previously clarified that overall market operations remain under city supervision, with SMPHI only managing its designated redevelopment area.

(*Some names have been withheld at the request of the interviewees for privacy reasons.)