ILOILO City – The city government’s redevelopment of public markets received an excellent rating from residents.
A scientific survey of Random Access Consultants, Inc. (RACI) showed that nine out of 10 or 89.3 percent of city residents are satisfied with the renovation of public markets.
This translates to a net satisfaction rating of +82.7 percent for the city government, considered excellent based on the rating system of the Social Weather Stations.
“Nakita naton nga syado gid ka-acceptable sa pumoluyo ang gina obra ta sa markets,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
The survey was conducted from Feb. 3 to 5, 2023. Three hundred randomly selected residents at least 18 years old and registered voters from 60 barangays in six districts were asked about their opinion on the various services of the city government, including the redevelopment of the public markets.
The respondents were specifically asked: “Kontento ka bala sa gina obra sang siyudad sa mga merkado publiko?” (Are you contended with what the city is doing to the public markets?)
The result shows that 48 or 16 percent were “tama ka kuntento” (very contented); 220 or 73.3 percent were “kontento” (contented); seven or 2.3 percent “wala opinion” (have no opinion); 20 or 6.7 percent were “indi kuntento” (not contented); and five or 1.7 percent were “diskontento gid” (very not contented).
The percentage of those who are satisfied varies from 80 percent (Molo) to 97.4 percent (Jaro).
The city’s public markets, including its two biggest – Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market – are currently undergoing rehabilitation to provide a conducive space for commerce and better livelihood opportunities for vendors.
Temporary stalls have been installed nearby for the markets vendors while the rehabilitation works of the public markets in the districts of La Paz, Jaro, Mandurriao, and Arevalo are ongoing.
The Iloilo Central and Terminal markets are also undergoing redevelopment through public private partnership which the city is undertaking with SM Prime Holdings.
These infrastructure projects are anchored on the city mayor’s W.H.E.E.L.S. (Welfare, Health, Education, Environment, Livelihood, Sustainability) road map for inclusive development.
Under his leadership, the city government strives to create improved facilities that will boost the livelihood opportunities of the Ilonggos, including the market vendors.
For the city mayor, the redevelopment of the public markets will deliver greater convenience to customers while vendors will become more competitive.
Iloilo City’s redeveloped markets will also soon be well-positioned to become more meaningful public spaces that provide better access to fresh and healthy food and quality commodities, foster livelihood and economic opportunities, promote tourism, and proudly reflect the vibrant Ilonggo way of life.
More than just a place for shopping for daily essentials, public markets are the windows of a city’s soul. It is a shared space for the community and a living connection between the past, present and future reflecting how the city and its people continue to evolve.
A visit to the markets gives one a close view of everyday life and a taste of cultural heritage through the food, crafts, produce, and commodities offered to shoppers. These retail spaces are also a hub for small businesses as well as home-grown brands and local products.
The opinion survey was commissioned by Mayor Treñas so he will know the present perception on the services of the city government, including also the situation of the water supply.
He said the survey results give the city government an opening to do better, come up with enhanced services to satisfy the people, and find ways to effectively address issues and concerns./PN
