By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo City Slaughterhouse in Barangay Tacas, Jaro district, has emerged as the top revenue-generating facility in the city after collecting P4 million, which is P2.3 million above the projected target of P1.7 million last month.
The Iloilo City Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) recently reported a significant revenue increase for January 2024, with total collections reaching P8.9 million, surpassing the initial target of P6.8 million by P2.1 million.
Mayor Jerry Treñas commended the city government employees for efficiently managing operations amid challenges posed by ongoing market developments.
The mayor had earlier signed a P180-million loan agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines to facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art Triple-A Slaughterhouse to meet export production demands.
LEEO Head Maricel Mabaquiao attributed the achievements to the commitment of market personnel and collectors in meeting monthly targets for rentals, entrance fees, and other charges.
Temporary stalls, strategically placed within market vicinities, have also played a pivotal role in sustaining economic activities.
LEEO is responsible for overseeing major public markets in the city, including the Central and Terminal Markets in the City Proper, which are currently under construction by SM Prime Holdings Inc. as part of a Public-Private Partnership.
The LEEO collected P2.1 million from the Central Market and approximately P800,000 from the Terminal Market.
Additionally, City Hall has made investments in establishing new markets in Jaro Big, Arevalo, and La Paz.
From these, LEEO gathered some P700,000 from La Paz, P500,000 from Jaro, and about P200,000 each from the Mandurriao and Arevalo markets, and around P100,000 from the Jaro Small Market.
The ongoing rehabilitation aims to enhance the infrastructure and amenities to improve services for consumers and vendors alike.
With modernized markets, there is an expectation of a cleaner environment, ample parking, and upgraded facilities, which will not only support micro and small businesses but also bolster the economic and tourism potential of Iloilo City.