The redevelopment of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets will be in full swing this 2023, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas in a recently released video.
Reinforcing the need to bring the two markets to higher levels, the mayor said that this is part of the massive work being done to improve the lives of the Ilonggos and make Iloilo City one of the topmost livable cities in the country.
Sharing his personal experience that many Ilonggos can relate to, Mayor Treñas pointed out the urgency of addressing cleanliness, safety, and flooding issues for the welfare of market goers, small and medium scale enterprises and other stakeholders.
He said, “There is really a need to fix our public markets. As we aim to push Iloilo to the next level, we also have to modernize our markets so they can be clean and safe for the people and they will help fuel economic opportunities.”
Empowering people and communities
The rehabilitation of the city’s public markets, also dubbed as DREAM Project, is seen as a huge leap because it will resolve current inconveniences and overlapping problems like sanitation, inefficiency, security, and traffic, to name a few. Most significantly, it will have a direct impact on the everyday lives of Ilonggos.
Mayor Treñas has been pushing for the transformation of the city markets into resilient and sustainable structures after witnessing its deterioration over time and anticipating the potential effects of climate change. With better operational spaces, enhanced water, toilet, and sewerage systems, facilities for wastewater treatment and solid waste management, security cameras and expanded parking areas, the DREAM Project will have multiplier effect on different sectors such as health, employment and livelihood, mobility, tourism, business, sustainability and overall progress for everyone.
The video reaffirmed that upgraded facilities supported by an organized efficient management will also level up the game for SMEs – vendors, farmers, local artisans, everyone doing business in the markets, enabling them to compete with bigger retailers. Last year, training programs for vendors have already been initiated to prepare them while the redevelopment is underway. The training sessions will continue throughout the year covering topics on food handling, entrepreneurship and more.
The role of private sector
Iloilo City recognizes that its accomplishments were made possible with the strong support of the private sector and highlighted their crucial role in reaching its vision and goals for the city.
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan expressed, “We have always been a partner of Iloilo City. Helping redevelop the city’s public markets is our way of giving back to the city and its people. We are excited to see the city’s transformation and we are fully committed to supporting its development and progress by sharing our expertise and resources.”
With private sector partners like SM, the Iloilo local government is well on its way in delivering the goals laid out in its inclusive development roadmap focused on Welfare, Health, Education, Environment, Livelihood, Sustainability (WHEELS). In 2022 alone, numerous programs under this agenda have reaped recognition from various award-giving institutions.
