ILOILO City – It’s about time to upgrade the Iloilo Central Market. Actually, it’s long overdue, according to the vendors themselves who have been suffering for years from lots of inconveniences inside the timeworn market.
“Nami na ang syudad ta, tahum. Tapos ang merkado ta amo ni? Bagay na gid man nga kay-uhon kay kahigko gid,” said 58-year-old Ninfa Bunye, owner of Nienfel Dried Fish inside the Iloilo Central Market, also known as “Tienda Mayor”.
Public plazas are being upgraded, why not the Iloilo Central Market so the public can enjoy its upgraded services and facilities, too, added Bunye.
For the dried fish entrepreneur, the redevelopment of the central market would mean a clean, modern and presentable market for the convenience of both vendors and marketgoers.
The Iloilo Central Market is one of the most popular and most visited areas of the city. People can find numerous agricultural products, crafts and cheap wares, among others, there. It also has a range of small shops, workshops and stalls.
Bunye said many city tourists and visitors make it a point to drop by the Iloilo Central Market.
“Kalabanan para magbakal pasalubong nga dried fish, dried pusit. Diri gid nagaderecho,” she said.
A market vendor for some 32 years already, Bunye have seen the market ironically deteriorate while many modern infrastructure are rising in the city.
“Iban gani nga mga banwa nagmi ila tinda, tani ang aton Central Market man. Para indi man ta mahuya. Kon kis-a nagatulolo. Kon may mga bisita, kapin kon gaulan, ang ari di sila sa sulod nagatulolo. Nagabaha pa,” she further said.
The market’s needed much upgrade, added Bunye.
“Magtudlo ka sang CR sa bisita daw mahuya ka. Ang gasulod diri indi basta-basta, especially kon may mga conventions. Diri sila gaderecho,” she shared.
The 34-year-old carinderia (eatery) owner Erica Antiquera expressed excitement with the planned market upgrade. She and her husband Red send their children to school from their carinderia earnings.
Their ties to the market actually go back to the time of Erica’s grandfather, a vendor for over 30 years.
“Okay gid kami nga ma-develop ang central market kay siyempre dugay naman sya,” Erica told Panay News.
Like Bunye, Erica said it is always a struggle for them especially when it rains.
The market drainage is also clogged and frequently overflows, she added.
Erica looks forward to a clean and more comfortable marketplace that attracts more patrons.
“Basta indi lang kami pagpahalinon kay amo ‘ni ang palangabuhian namon,” she added.
Their worries also include the rumors about the increase in rentals.
“Basi indi namon ma-afford,” said Erica. “Ginhawa lang namon kapangita adlaw-adlaw nga maka-survive man kami.”
They suffered from heavy financial losses due to two years of coronavirus pandemic, pointed out.
Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas has been reiterating his assurance that none of the legitimate vendors would be displaced.
Treñas’ intention for the two markets’ redevelopment also includes operation and maintenance.
The city government is looking at the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme to upgrade the Central Market as well as the Iloilo Terminal Market (popularly known as “Super”).
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has shown interest in the markets and detailed negotiation recently kicked off with the Iloilo City PPP-Selection Committee.
An initial study and Project Concept Note on the redevelopment of the two major public markets started with the PPP Center, the government agency mandated to facilitate the implementation of PPP (public-private partnership) programs and projects. It serves as the central coordinating and monitoring agency for all PPP projects.
The goal is to provide the city with a sustainable multi-use market complex that will develop and enhance business activities as well as preserve the economic value of the Old Central Business District (Calle Real) of Iloilo City./PN
