ILOILO City – “Our dream is now becoming a reality,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas as the redevelopment of two major markets in the metro officially kicks off today.
At 10:30 a.m., there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration/renovation of the Iloilo Terminal Market or “Super”, and at 5 p.m., the same will be held at the Iloilo Central Market.
“I am very excited,” added Treñas.
The milestone was made possible after the Iloilo City Government and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. entered into a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement.
The local government awarded a 25-year lease agreement to SM Prime Holdings to develop the two public markets.
Under the agreement, the two markets will be developed at no cost to the city government. They will be retained as public markets and managed by the city government through the Local Economic Enterprise Office.
“Once completed, it will be a win-win situation for the city, SM Prime, the market vendors, and the general public. This is bringing Iloilo to the next level,” added Treñas.
Treñas wants the city’s two big markets to level up, just like the Boqueria market in his recent visit to Barcelona, Spain.
“Nami gid! Amo man na gusto ta dri sa aton markets. Amo na ang rason ngaa nagapaninguha kita nga mag-maayo ang aton markets,” the city mayor added.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be led by Treñas and SM Prime Holdings (SMPH), represented by SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Operations Engr. Bien Mateo.
Aside from the central and terminal markets, public markets in La Paz, Jaro (big), Mandurriao, and Arevalo districts are also being renovated.
In a survey by Random Access Consultants, Inc. (RACI) in February this year, nine out of 10 residents, or 89.3 percent, in the city were “satisfied” with upgrading the public markets./PN
