BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO City – The Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market are set to complete construction by December 2024, marking a significant expansion for local commerce.
The public market redevelopment projects, which amount to a total investment of P3 billion, aims to accommodate a greater number of vendors and provide ample parking.
The Iloilo Central Market will see an increase from 600 to between 885 and 900 stalls, while the Iloilo Terminal Market will expand from 800 to 1,250 stalls.
Maricel Mabaquiao, head of the city government’s Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO), also noted the addition of 390 parking spaces designed for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.
Mayor Jerry Treñas assured that the new markets would allow vendors to set up in December, aligning with the opening of the Terminal Market.
He also emphasized that market rental rates would not increase and that no vendors would be displaced by the redevelopment.
A topping-off ceremony is scheduled for August as part of the project’s milestones.
Treñas expressed his gratitude towards SM Prime Holdings for their partnership in the market redevelopment, stating, “This is really a dream come true for the Ilonggos. We are very thankful to SM because the city could not afford this, and SM stepped in to ensure that everyone’s dream for the Iloilo Market could be realized.”
The enhanced Iloilo Central Market will feature facilities across multiple levels including a ground floor, a second floor, a mezzanine, parking areas, and a roof deck./PN
