Soft Opening of Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets

The Iloilo City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, officially marks another milestone in the city’s market modernization program with the soft opening of the newly renovated Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets on October 30, 2025.

This redevelopment is part of the city’s commitment to upgrade its public markets into clean, organized, and sustainable commercial centers – improving the livelihood of vendors and ensuring a better shopping experience for all Ilonggos.

The redevelopment of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets began with the groundbreaking on September 18, 2023, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Iloilo City Government and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. The Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) continues to oversee both markets, ensuring efficient operations and seamless coordination with vendors.

FROM ONE FLOOR TO THREE: A NEW ERA OF MARKET EXPERIENCE

1. Expanded Capacity

• Before renovation:
  • Terminal Market: 885 vendors
  • Central Market: 603 vendors
  • One floor only
• Now:
  • Terminal Market: 1,685 vendors
  • Central Market: 1,205 vendors
  • Three floors each

2. Floor Layout

• Ground Floor: Wet section (meat, fish, and poultry)
• Second Floor: Dry goods, grocery, and variety stalls
• Third Floor: Food hall and eateries
• Roof Deck: Parking area for at least 300 vehicles

During the grand opening next month, which will mark the completion of the SM side of the project, additional features and facilities will be unveiled — including the roof deck parking that can accommodate around 300 vehicles. This new amenity is expected to help ease parking congestion around the markets and will promote smoother traffic flow and improved accessibility for both vendors and customers.

3. Market Management and Utilities

LEEO head Maricel Mabaquiao emphasized that both markets will continue to be managed by the City Government through LEEO.

Each section has its own sub-meter for electricity, with monthly readings conducted together with the assigned representatives from each section to ensure transparency and accountability in billing and usage.

She noted that market rental rates have remained the same despite the renovation, and additional storage areas were made available for vendors who requested them, especially those in the wet sections.

Importantly, all rules, policies, and procedures implemented by LEEO including those governing good will money, award or adjudication of stalls, and conditions of lease are guided by Regulation Ordinance No. 2019-316, which serves as the comprehensive policy framework for the operation and management of Iloilo City public markets.

“LEEO continues to uphold fair, transparent, and accountable market governance under Regulation Ordinance No. 2019-316. We want our vendors to feel secure and properly guided as we transition to these modernized facilities,” said Mabaquiao.

4. Organized and Fit-for-Purpose Stall Design

PPP head Atty. David Garcia explained that the new stall designs aim to restore order and efficiency in the markets.

“Before, indi na-manage ang pag-extend sang mga vendors. Now, with the renovation, each section has standardized stall sizes – may small kag may big depending on the area but everything is properly managed and fit for purpose,” Garcia said.

He added that the total floor area of the new markets is comparable to that of a modern mall, ensuring comfort while retaining the public market character.

5. Environmental and Waste Management Systems

GSO head Neil Ravena, ensures that market operations are environmentally sustainable:

• Operational Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for waste segregation
• Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for wastewater management
• Daily Waste Collection:
  • Terminal Market: 5 trips/day
  • Central Market: 2 trips/day
• Common Usage Service Areas (CUSA) and maintenance are handled jointly by SM Prime Holdings and LEEO

6. Traffic and Parking Management
 TTMO Head Uldarico Garbanzos confirmed that the existing carousel traffic scheme will remain, complemented by additional traffic management measures:

• Parking Areas: Available around the markets. A portion of Fuentes St. will serve as the delivery bay.
• Pay Parking: Located on the Mabini side only, based on the existing regulatory ordinance. Rizal, De Leon, and Fuentes Streets are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Traffic Enforcers: Increased deployment to ensure smooth vehicle and pedestrian movement.

The forthcoming roof deck parking will significantly reduce roadside congestion once fully operational during the grand opening next month.

7. Partnership and Oversight

The modernization of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets reflects a strong partnership between the City Government and SM Prime Holdings, combining public oversight and private sector expertise.

This collaboration guarantees that the new markets will remain accessible, organized, and community-oriented preserving the Ilonggo market culture while elevating it to global standards.

8. Capacity Building and Empowerment

The modernization of the city’s markets is matched by efforts to equip vendors with essential business and food safety skills.

Market vendors have undergone food handling and management training to help them improve their operations and maintain quality service.

Through the Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA), Accelerated Capacity Training for Market Vendors, and digicities Masterclasses programs, the City Government provided vendors with opportunities to learn skills vital to the retail environment.

These trainings covered:

• Financial Literacy
• Digitalization
• Customer Service
• Food Safety
• Business Registration
• Service Quality
• Business

A SYMBOL OF PROGRESS AND PRIDE

The reopening of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets marks a new chapter for Iloilo City – one that blends heritage with innovation.

“These markets are not just buildings – they are centers of livelihood, culture, and community. We are proud to deliver this project for our vendors and our people. This is our shared success, and this is Iloilo City moving forward together,” — Mayor Raisa S. Treñas