ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has announced plans to issue an Executive Order deferring the increase in market rentals for two years, from 2025 to 2026, to provide relief to vendors transitioning into the city’s modernized public markets.
“We are targeting the inauguration of the Central and Terminal markets this year, followed by the Arevalo, La Paz, and Jaro public markets,” Treñas said.
The city’s public market modernization is progressing in phases. Phase 1 of the La Paz and Jaro markets is slated for completion by April 2025, while Phase 1 of the Arevalo Market has already been finished.
Phase 2 for all three markets will commence in the second quarter of 2025 and is expected to be completed by the year’s end.
This phase is crucial to ensuring full operational capacity before vendors can relocate.
The city government is also committed to enhancing the livelihood of market vendors as part of the modernization effort.
To date, 324 vendors from 14 batches have completed training programs designed to improve their business skills, customer service, and market operations, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in the upgraded facilities.
Accessibility is a key feature of the modernized markets. The La Paz, Arevalo, and Jaro markets, spearheaded by the city government, will each have two passenger elevators.
Meanwhile, the Central and Terminal Markets, developed in partnership with SM through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will also include elevators and other state-of-the-art facilities to enhance convenience for vendors and shoppers alike.
Treñas emphasized that the modernization of public markets is part of a broader vision to create a more inclusive, accessible, and thriving city.
“Through these efforts, we are building a modern Iloilo City that better serves both our vendors and the public,” he said./PN