Iloilo Central Market

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Iloilo Central Market
Iloilo.Public.Market01 (cropped)1.jpg
The art deco façade of the market before the redevelopment
Location Iloilo City, Philippines
Coordinates 10°41′34″N122°34′10″E / 10.692877°N 122.569451°E / 10.692877; 122.569451
Address Iznart Street cor. Rizal Street, Iloilo City Proper
Opening dateJanuary 15, 1912
Developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (since 2022)
Owner Iloilo City government
Iloilo Central Market
Interactive map of Iloilo Central Market

Iloilo Central Public Market, also known as Central Market or Tienda Mayor, is a public market located in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is one of the two largest public markets ( palengkes ) in the Iloilo City Proper district, the other being the Iloilo Terminal Market, (commonly referred to as "Super"). Opened in 1912, it is considered one of the oldest public markets in the Philippines and is noted for its Art Deco façade.

Contents

In 2022, along with the Iloilo Terminal Market, it underwent redevelopment through a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Iloilo City Government and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI). [1] The market was officially reopened in late 2025. The redevelopment, aside from the public market itself, also features a mall wing known as SM at Iloilo Central Market. [2] [3]

History

The Iloilo Central Market was officially opened to the public on January 15, 1912. Its Art Deco façade was later added in 1938. The market underwent its first major renovation during the term of Acting Mayor Rosa Caram from 1986 to 1987. [4]

Located within the Calle Real Heritage Zone in downtown Iloilo City, the market is surrounded by several heritage structures dating back to the Spanish and American colonial periods. In 2013, the area was declared a Cultural Tourism Heritage Zone, and in 2014, it was recognized as a Historic Center through National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Resolution No. 3. [4]

Redevelopment

Temporary market stalls, serving vendors displaced during the rehabilitation. Iloilo Central Market, Aug 2024.jpg
Temporary market stalls, serving vendors displaced during the rehabilitation.

On August 3, 2022, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) was awarded a 25-year lease agreement for the market’s redevelopment under a public–private partnership with the Iloilo City Government. [5] During the rehabilitation period, market vendors were temporarily relocated to several streets surrounding the market to continue their operations. [6]

In March 2024, the market’s Art Deco façade was demolished to allow for a structural reinforcement and a pledged faithful reconstruction of the original design by SMPHI. [7] The move, however, drew public concern over the city government’s approval process. [8] Mayor Jerry Treñas later faced administrative complaints related to the alleged unlawful demolition, filed by Jose Nereo Lujan, chief information officer of the Iloilo Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO), with the Office of the Ombudsman–Visayas in Iloilo City. [9]

In late 2025, the market was officially reopened. The redevelopment maintained the market’s heritage architecture, both exterior and interior, and features two wings: the public market, operated by the local government, and the mall and retail wing, managed by SM Retail. The public market features a modernized wet and dry market, with the number of vendors increased to 850 from the previous 603. [10] The mall wing features a curated mix of shops, food stalls, local brands, and service establishments. The public market section reopened on October 30, while the mall section opened on November 28. [11] [12]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Solinap, Leo (September 20, 2023). "Iloilo terminal and central markets to be redeveloped". SunStar Publishing Inc. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  2. ↑ Ladiao, Ma Theresa (October 17, 2025). "MARKET RENAISSANCE: Iloilo central, terminal markets to open Oct. 30; seen to anchor city's urban revival". Panay News. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  3. ↑ Guardian, Daily (November 27, 2025). "SM at Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets open today". Daily Guardian. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  4. 1 2 Marzan, Joey (April 25, 2024). "Iloilo City mayor defends demolition of historic market façade". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  5. ↑ "Initial P3-B allotted to redevelop Iloilo City's 2 public markets - SM Prime Holdings, Inc". SM Prime Holdings, Inc. - One of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia that offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities. August 3, 2022. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  6. ↑ Guardian, Daily (May 17, 2024). "Iloilo markets to top off in August; vendors endure in makeshift stalls". Daily Guardian. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  7. ↑ Guardian, Daily (April 17, 2024). "'BROKEN PROMISE': Historic Iloilo market art deco facade demolished". Daily Guardian. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Demolition of Iloilo Central Market questioned". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Treñas charged over Iloilo Central Market demolition". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 21, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  10. ↑ "PPP paves way for modern, spacious public markets in Iloilo City". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  11. ↑ Guardian, Daily (October 16, 2025). "Central, Terminal markets set to reopen October 30". Daily Guardian. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  12. ↑ Ladiao, Ma. Theresa (November 28, 2025). "Iloilo City's Central and Terminal markets' mall wings officially open today". Panay News. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
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