By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo City government has denied claims of construction delays at the Jaro Big Market, asserting that the project remains on schedule and aligned with its approved timeline.
In a statement on Monday, April 7, Mayor Jerry Treñas’ spokesperson Joy Fantilaga said Phase 2 of the Jaro Big Market is slated for completion in February 2026.
“Let us be clear: Phase 2 of the Jaro Big Market is scheduled for completion in February 2026, a timeline that follows the signed contract and remains on track,” Fantilaga said.
The clarification follows a press release from the Center for Good Governance and Accountability (CGGA), which claimed that delays in the market’s rehabilitation are “an injustice to us, taxpayers.”
The Jaro Big Market is one of several infrastructure projects funded through a PHP1.75 billion loan secured by the city government from the Development Bank of the Philippines.
Other projects under the loan include La Paz Market Phase 2, targeted for completion by December 2025, and Arevalo Market Phase 1, which was completed in March 2025.
Arevalo Market Phase 2 is also set for completion by December 2025.
The loan further covers the construction of Iloilo City Hospital Phase 1, expected to be completed by September 2025, and Parking Building Phase 1, scheduled for completion by January 2026.
Fantilaga stressed that all the projects are progressing as planned and within contract timelines.
She also clarified that loan approval does not mean immediate fund release, as disbursements depend on project progress and contractual milestones.
“Disbursements are based on project progress and contract milestones. In fact, the release of the loan for Phase 2 of the 3 markets has not yet been made,” she said.
Fantilaga explained that the PHP300 million additional loan approved by the DBP, including PHP100 million for the Jaro Big Market, will cover expanded scope such as interior finishing.
She added that this funding allocation is a standard practice in phased construction and was properly ratified by the Iloilo City Council on September 24, 2024.
Fantilaga criticized CGGA’s claims, calling them politically motivated and misleading.
“CGGA’s claims reflect a serious lack of understanding of how public infrastructure projects and loans work. Their statements are clearly intended to mislead and confuse the public,” she said.
She urged the public to verify facts with the City Engineer’s Office and the Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat.
“The people of Iloilo deserve the truth, not politically driven misinformation,” Fantilaga added.
City Hall reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in delivering major public infrastructure for the benefit of Iloilo City residents.