Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas recently met with top officials from SM Prime Holdings, Inc (SMPHI) in Manila to review the proposed design and concept of the new Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market, which will be built through a public-private partnership.
Treñas posted a sneak peek of the proposed designs on his Facebook page, stating that the "markets will be modern but will retain elements of the old edifice."
“I have met with SM Prime Executives together with Mr. Steven Tan, Arch. Fides G. Hsu, and Engr. Bien C. Mateo to discuss design and concept for our Iloilo Terminal Market and Iloilo Central Market. Recommendations for the market vendors were also part of the discussion,” said Treñas.
The markets will be built with solar panels for energy efficiency, a water catchment system to minimize flooding in the area, and a waste management system for efficient garbage sorting, disposal, and recycling of waste, according to SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
“This is our dream and the dream of the Ilonggos to have modern, safe and clean markets,” added Treñas.
During the launch of an art exhibit at SM City Iloilo, Treñas once again guaranteed legitmate vendors in the Iloilo Central and Super markets that they would not be displaced once SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has finished redeveloping these markets.
“Waay sang ma-displaced nga vendor and indi magsaka ang arkila, pero at no expense to the City Government. Amo na nga very very happy with the partnership with SM,” Treñas added.
Last August, the Iloilo City Government awarded SM Prime a 25-year lease agreement for the reconstruction of the Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that will modernize both facilities.
The company will initially invest P3 billion to build the two markets at no expense to the City Government.