Rehabilitation of city public markets underway

Perspective of the new public markets in Iloilo City. (Photos from Facebook page of Councilor Ely Estante)

Ilonggo consumers will soon enjoy modernized and state-of-the-art public markets as the rehabilitation of public markets in the metro is underway.

This as the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) already gave the green light for the demolition and rehabilitation of three public markets in the city.

During its regular session last week, the SP approved the “no-objection resolution” for the demolition and rehabilitation of the identified markets.

The resolution was proposed by Councilor Ely Estante who sits as the chairman of the City Council Committee on Engineering, Construction, and Public Works. The resolution was passed unanimously including the committee report of Estante.

Based on the committee report of Estante, the three public markets which will undergo demolition and rehabilitation include the La Paz Market, Arevalo Market, and the Jaro (Big) Market.

“The markets rehab will be undertaken through public bidding under the Design and Build scheme. Funding for these projects will be sourced from the P1.7 billion loan package secured by the Iloilo City Government which also includes the budget for the on-going construction of the Legislative and Parking Building adjacent to City Hall,” he said.

The estimated budget for the rehabilitation of the La Paz Market and Jaro (Big) Market is P395 million each while the budget for Arevalo market is P150 million.

Last year, the city council also passed a no-objection resolution for the demolition and rehab of the Mandurriao Public Market which is being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways District Engineering Office. (DG)