Iloilo City Public Markets will be clean and modern.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas disclosed that the redevelopment of public markets are underway.
“We are restoring our public markets to allow the vendors to compete with the malls and improve convenience to the Ilonggos,” said Mayor Treñas.
The restoration of public markets will improve economic activities and public health.
Maricel Mabaquiao, head of the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) together with Executive Assistant Simplicio Subaldo has conducted a series of consultative meetings with public markets in-charge in the districts of La Paz, Villa Arevalo, and the Jaro Big Market.
Consultations with stakeholders have started
Meetings with representatives of F. Gurrea Construction was also undertaken together with officers of market vendors association of the three districts.
Likewise, thee team consulted the City Architect’s Office and the City Engineering Office.
Also, market rehabs was presented to Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) to coordinate traffic related concerns during construction phase..
Public markets are usually areas with heavy vehicular and foot traffic, especially during market days or weekend.
Iloilo City Public Markets rehab budget
The Iloilo City Government has allotted funding for the three public markets: the Jaro Big Market and La Paz Public Market has P395-million each for rehab while Villa Arevalo has P150-million.
In addition, the Mandurriao Public Market is also up for a P100-million rehab.
The funds was coordinated by Lone District Representative Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda with Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The Iloilo City Government likewise inspected temporary relocation areas for vendors during construction period.
Earlier on, two major public markets at the downtown area, the Iloilo Terminal Market and Central Market were also on the pipeline for modernization.
A key component of this effort also includes the slaughterhouse.
The modernization of two major public markets and the slaughterhouse were offered to potential investors through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the technical assistance from PPP Center.
The significance of modern public markets
Public markets are considered as the heart and soul of societies for this is where people from all walks of life converge to buy food.
Moreover, public markets act as centers of commerce and a commercial hub that connect rural and urban economies.
Hence, the rehabilitation of Iloilo City Public Markets will spark the revitalization of downtown area and improve local food culture and public health for the post COVID-19 new normal.