The two public markets in Iloilo City, rehabilitated under the public-private partnership, have been attracting tourists and serving as models for local government units, the private sector, and institutions, both in the Philippines and abroad.
Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) head Maricel Mabaquiao, in a press conference on Monday, Aug. 17, said the foot traffic is also increasing, especially since they have introduced strategies to invite more visitors to the two public places.
The city’s two largest public markets were redeveloped through a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Iloilo City Government and SM Malls.
They have been transformed into modern, clean, and well-organized facilities that provide a better environment for vendors, entrepreneurs, and consumers while stimulating the local economy and preserving the vital role of public markets as centers of commerce in the city.
Since the markets opened in 2025, they have welcomed representatives from around 23 institutions visiting the infrastructure facility, asking about PPP and their operations, Mabaquiao said.PNA
