Costumers and vendors alike can look forward to a revitalized trading scene as the Iloilo Terminal Market and Iloilo Central Market are set for a joint soft opening on October 30, Mayor Raisa Treñas announced.
The long-awaited reopening marks a major milestone in the city’s drive to modernize public markets through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with SM Prime Holdings, which invested ₱3 billion for the redevelopment of both facilities.
Treñas assured the public that no rental increases will be imposed once the markets reopen. A two-year moratorium on rental hikes remains in effect to protect vendors recovering from the temporary closure.
“All vendors with previously legal stalls will retain their spaces,” Treñas said. “We are ensuring a fair and transparent stall adjudication process through the Market Committee and the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO).”
The mayor also emphasized that LEEO personnel will closely monitor market operations to prevent profiteering and unjust price increases once trading resumes.
To sustain cleanliness and order in the city’s public markets, Treñas recently issued Executive Order No. 077, institutionalizing the “Limpyo Merkado Program”, a year-round cleanliness and maintenance initiative.
The ground floors of both redeveloped markets will be jointly managed by the local government and its private partner, ensuring efficient operations and proper vendor accommodation.
Meanwhile, LEEO continues the adjudication process for stall assignments as the city prepares for the dual opening—a move expected to breathe new life into Iloilo’s bustling downtown economy.
“This is not just about new buildings,” Treñas said. “It’s about restoring pride, fairness, and vibrancy in Iloilo’s public markets.”IMT
