The Iloilo Provincial Government is exploring the possibility of partnering with a Villar-owned company for the establishment of a food terminal and farmer’s market at a shopping mall in the town of Oton.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. recently met with officials of Vista Land Commercial Assets (VCA) for “exploratory talks” on the proposed project that aims to “help famers and bolanteros (ambulant vendors) from Iloilo province.”
“No formal agreement has been announced, but the talks signal the provincial government’s continuing efforts to explore new spaces and opportunities for farmers and bolanteros in Iloilo,” the provincial government said in a statement.
Defensor announced the plan following the controversial clearing operation conducted by the city government’s Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) and police personnel. The operation, carried out along Fuentes Street on April 10, displaced bolanteros.
According to the governor his proposed food terminal “could attract more foot traffic to the area, which may later support other developments such as a transport hub or terminal for farmers bringing fresh produce from southern, central, and even northern Iloilo.”
Defensor is also panning to pilot a weekend flea market within the area, although he stressed: “Gusto naton sang mala, sanag, limpyo [kag accessible sa publiko].” IMT
