BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Business groups and stakeholders in this city have thrown their support for the redevelopments of the Central and Terminal markets.
In separate statements, the groups underscored the redevelopment project’s potential to drive growth and development in Iloilo City.
The Iloilo Federation for Information Technology, Inc. (IFIT) asked Lisa Nakpil, chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to “review and approve the redevelopment plan and resume construction as soon as possible.”
“The redevelopment projects hold immense potential economic benefits for our community and the city at large, promising increased commerce, tourism, and employment opportunities. It is disheartening that nearly a month has passed without updates from the agency regarding the review and approval,” said Jessraf Palmares, IFIT president
IFIT, composed of members from the IT-BPM industry, and regional government agencies, expressed its support for redeveloping the two public markets.
The group said the modernization and redevelopment of the central and terminal markets will uplift the economic status of the local entrepreneurs.
“These markets are vital not only to our daily lives but also to the economic health and cultural heritage of our beloved city. They serve as pivotal hubs for farmers and entrepreneurs, providing essential venues for their daily commerce and livelihoods,” the group said.
The city government and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) entered into a 25-year lease agreement to redevelop the two public markets through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.
The long-term lease agreement with SMPHI and the city government was signed on July 29, 2022, and is said to cost a total of P3 billion with P1.5 billion for each market.
During the recent inspection, Mayor Jerry Treñas announced the Iloilo Central Market is expected to open by December 2024.
From the original 600 stalls, the redeveloped Central Market will have 285 to 300 more stalls.
The Terminal Market (popularly known as Super), meanwhile, will have a total of 1,250 stalls from the original 800.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Iloilo Chapter is pushing to hasten the completion of the two market rehabilitation.
Engr. Fulbert Woo, PCCI-Iloilo president, said the temporary stalls not only fail to provide adequate shelter, especially during the rainy season, but also contribute to severe traffic congestion, affecting both vendors and consumers.
Such a situation is not only inconvenient but detrimental to the economic activities that are vital to the city’s economy, the PCCI-Iloilo said.
“Moreover, the construction delays have created difficulties in holding the city’s social events, such as festivals, which are essential for both cultural and economic seasons,” the PCCI-Iloilo added.
The business group asked the city government to implement measures to accelerate the completion of these market projects.
“Our goal is to create a resilient and thriving business environment that supports both our vendors and the broader community.”
The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILEDF) and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) – Iloilo Chapter, the Philippine Retailers Association, Liga ng Mga Barangay – Iloilo chapter, University of the Philippines – Visayas, and the Bankers Association of Iloilo issued separate statements calling for the immediate completion of the two public markets.
“We fully support the city’s efforts in these infrastructure developments and are eager to see the benefits they will bring to our community. However, the current pace of construction raises concerns about meeting the December 2024 deadline. We respectfully request that the City Government implements measures to accelerate the construction process,” said Engr: Terence S. Uygongco, ILED chairman./PN
