The City Government supports the development of a climate resilient design for upcoming developments of two public markets – Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market or “Super”.
“We want to transform and modernize these markets and part of that transformation is to make these structures resilient to the impact of a changing climate,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“The current public market stall holders and vendors, who will be transferred to the new developments, the customers, as well as tourists, will greatly benefit from the improved structure – a cleaner, competitive, accessible, and climate resilient hubs for the consumers,” he added.
Treñas noted that they will tap the expertise of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., with whom the local government has signed a Lease Agreement for the redevelopment of the two public markets, in integrating such climate resilient and sustainability features in the new structures.
He cited, in particular, the rainwater catchment tank that SM integrates into its malls, which allows the harvest of large volumes of rainwater particularly in flood-prone areas, helping keep neighboring communities safe and less prone to flooding.
The modernized markets will also be equipped with parking spaces to ease traffic congestion, improved comfort rooms, a drainage system to prevent flooding, solid waste management, and wastewater treatment.
“These two markets, which we are looking to develop under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme with SM Prime, should be primary examples of climate-resilient designs that will inspire other developments in the city,” said Treñas.
The City Hall through the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) will continue to manage both markets when the facilities are developed under the PPP scheme without cost to the City Government.
