ILOILO CITY – In a strong display of unity, the business community, the academe, barangays, and vendors, among other sectors, have reaffirmed their support to the ongoing redevelopment of the Iloilo Central and Terminal markets.
In separate letters addressed to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Lisa G. Nakpil and SM Supermalls president Steven T. Tan, they appealed for the timely completion of the projects.
The city’s two biggest markets are being redeveloped through a public-private partnership with SM Prime Holdings.
The target date of completion is December 2024, along with other public markets in La Paz and Arevalo districts, and the Jaro Big Market which are also undergoing city government-funded redevelopment.
The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILED), Inc. pushed for a speedy completion of the markets, citing the significant disruption of the ongoing construction and the temporary stalls to the daily operations of vendors and surrounding businesses that may further aggravate by the impending La Niña.
“The successful completion of this project will not only enhance the economic vitality of our markets but also ensure the safety and well-being of all stakeholders” the ILED statement, signed by its chairman Engr. Terence S. Uygongco, read.
Uygongco assures that ILED stands ready to collaborate with the city government and any relevant agencies to facilitate the acceleration of the projects.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Iloilo Inc. through its president, Engr. Fulbert Woo, also pointed out that temporary stalls do not only fail to provide adequate shelter, especially during rainy season, but have also contributed to severe traffic congestion, affecting both vendors and consumers.
They added that the delays in construction may create difficulties in holding the city’s social activities, such as the Dinagyang Festival, which are essential for both cultural and economic reasons.
The Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCII) also shared the same concern and observation.
“We believe that this will not only alleviate the hardships faced by our market vendors but also significantly improve traffic conditions during the holiday season and the Dinagyang Festival,” said Vicente Tang, FCCCII immediate past president.
The Iloilo Federation for Information Technology, Inc., meanwhile, expressed confidence in the leadership and commitment of Treñas to ensuring that the projects progress smoothly and stays on schedule.
“We stand united in our support for the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central Market and the Terminal Market. We urge the NHCP and the Iloilo City Government to prioritize and expedite this project for the betterment of our community and city,” the IFIT statement, penned by its president Jessraf Palmares, read.
The Philippine Retailers Association – Iloilo Chapter under its president Francis Chung, likewise, cited that the initiative to redevelop the markets is an essential first step towards a future that is safer and more profitable for the retail industry in the metro.
Members of Panay Organic Producers Association (POPA) also wrote Treñas and Nakpil to express the same support and appeal.
“We aim to ensure its timely completion by December 2024. Your continued commitment and assistance are vital in realizing this vision and ensuring that the project meets its intended deadlines,” POPA Agriculture Cooperative chairman Louie S. Tirador emphasized.
University of the Philippines-Visayas (UPV) Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano, in his letter to Treñas, described the same concern on the need to hasten the completion of the redevelopment of all the city-run public markets.
Camposano cited the significant economic disruption and congestion in vehicular traffic caused by the said projects, which also severely impact the lives of the economically disadvantaged.
He added that “UPV shares your vision of a modern and progressive city and stands ready to assist the local government in whatever way it can.”
“Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that the burden of economic disruption and congestion rests most disproportionately on the shoulders of the poor and marginalized,” Camposano stressed, with hope that the Treñas administration will exert utmost effort to avoid further delays in the said redevelopment projects.
PHINMA Corporation president and chief operating officer and Head of Education Chito B. Salazar, on behalf of the University of Iloilo, urges all concerned authorities to prioritize and expedite the completion of the project.
“We believe that a swift resolution to the challenges will alleviate the current disruption, and result in a safer and more conducive environment for our community,” said Salazar.
The Bankers Association of Iloilo Inc. also relayed their sentiments coming from their respective clients about the difficulty and inconveniences of the temporary stalls of the market vendors along the packed and crowded streets in the city.
They also raised concerns about the traffic situation in the areas; sales dropped dramatically for businesses; the impending effect of La Niña; and the peril due to packed, crowded, and narrowed roads.
“We are looking forward to the completion of this project. This will again boost the economic activities of the area aligned with the business development of the ‘Economic Triangle of Iloilo City,” said Gabriel Gaby F. Lim, Bankers Association of Iloilo, Inc. president.
Other organizations that also expressed the same sentiments are the Iloilo Hotel Restaurants and Resorts Association (IHRRA), Liga ng mga Barangay-Iloilo City headed by Maria Irene D. Ong; Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Inc.-Iloilo Chapter under president Mavi Gustilo; vendors associations of Central and Terminal markets; Jaro Big and Small markets, La Paz, Mandurriao, and Arevalo public markets.
Also citing the impact and benefits of the said markets, the vendors urged the NHCP “to expeditiously facilitate the redevelopment completion, recognizing the immediate safety concerns faced by our fellow vendors and the immense potential economic benefits this project holds for the entire market district and the city.”/PN
