Village Connect
Iloilo City’s beloved public markets are stepping into a brighter future as SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and the Iloilo City Government unveil the newly revitalized Iloilo Central Market and Terminal Market — two historic community hubs reimagined for the modern Ilonggo.
What began as a bold public-private partnership in 2022 has now transformed over 62,000 square meters of public space into vibrant, organized, and future-ready marketplaces. With nearly ₱3 billion invested and at no cost to the city, the redevelopment ensures that the markets remain public assets, carefully managed by the Local Economic Enterprise Office to preserve their community character. The project also aligns with SM’s “Bold New Era” vision of building spaces that uplift everyday life and empower local enterprise.
For Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, the opening marks more than a ribbon-cutting — it signifies renewed dignity for vendors and added comfort for shoppers. “Everything is organized, clean, bright, and well-ventilated,” she shared, calling the moment a milestone for the city.
As the country’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Iloilo takes pride in its culinary soul — and the new markets amplify this identity. The Iloilo Terminal Market (SITM) now features nearly 20,000 square meters of lifestyle and market space, with 58 long-term leasable units and expanded stalls for 1,160 vendors. Longtime coffee vendor Jedda Navales recalls how rain and cramped spaces used to disrupt their daily grind. “Now, we’re finally leveling up,” she said.
Just a few blocks away, the Iloilo Central Market (SICM) welcomes the community with a fresh yet familiar feel. Blending heritage cues with modern structures, the 17,000-square-meter space now houses 61 leasable areas, communal dining zones, and 850 vendor stalls. Here, favorites like batchoy, pancit molo, and seafood specialties continue to take center stage — only now in a cleaner, more welcoming environment. For Evangeline Janeo of Rawit’s Litson, the upgrade is a boost not only to her business but also to Iloilo’s culinary story. “We’re proud to help promote Iloilo,” she shared.
SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim emphasized the heart of the project: strengthening communities and the small businesses that give them life. “Public markets play an essential role in the lives of local entrepreneurs. We are grateful for this partnership with the Iloilo City Government.”
With their reopening, the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets begin a new chapter — one that respects the past while embracing the future. They remain what they’ve always been: places where people meet, trade, eat, and celebrate culture. Only now, they stand stronger, brighter, and more ready to serve generations of Ilonggos to come.
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