Team DailyPedia
Veteran broadcast journalist Ces Oreña Drilon lauded the collaboration between SM Prime Holdings and the Iloilo City Government in the redevelopment of the city’s Terminal Market and Central Market, describing it as a model for effective public-private partnerships.
In a video interview uploaded by Iloilo Today Blog on TikTok, Drilon shared her impressions after visiting the newly upgraded facilities.
“I really want to salute the partnership of SM and Iloilo City, the LGU. It’s, I think, a forerunner of what the government and the private sector can do together,” she said.
She highlighted how the project reflects both strong political will and strategic use of private sector investment to improve public spaces without compromising local culture.
“With the political will…(and) you’re using the capital of the private sector to make things beautiful without destroying the culture, without harming, in fact, elevating it pa, because it’s opening up, it’s opening more doors for people to see,” she added.
Drilon also noted the improved cleanliness and organization of the markets, which enhance the overall experience for both vendors and visitors.
“Minsan, you will be hesitant to go to a market kasi maamoy, madumi, pero here, it opens—this project really shows other LGUs how to do it,” she said.
The redevelopment project stems from a 25-year lease agreement between the Iloilo City government and SM Prime Holdings, with an investment of approximately ₱3 billion to modernize the Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market.
The upgraded facilities now accommodate around 2,000 stalls, offering safer, cleaner, and more efficient spaces for vendors while providing a more comfortable shopping environment for consumers.
Operating hours have also been optimized, with the Iloilo Central Public Market open from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and the Iloilo Terminal Public Market from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The initiative forms part of the city’s “My Heart Beats in Iloilo City” campaign, which aims to highlight Iloilo’s heritage while fostering a deeper connection between the community and its cultural landmarks.
