Philippines
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Iloilo City and SM Prime collaborate to redevelop two city public markets

Iloilo City and SM Prime collaborate to redevelop two city public markets

Top row (L to R): Iloilo Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Iloilo Mayor Jerry Trenas, SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo.  Bottom row (L to R): Lourdes Cordon - Fruits & Vegetables (VP of ASTRAVEN - Iloilo Central Public Market), Danilo Lemos - Rice & Grains Section, Sonia Lim - Fruits & Vegetables Section, Marites Poja-Peripheral, Analiza Catedrilla - Meat Section, Josefino Barroca - Fruits & Vegetables Section, Boy Adorio - Meat Section, Benjie Beniegas - Grocery, Elnora Mendoza Lava - Meat Section.

All photos courtesy of SM

SM is investing P1.5B to P2.5B to redevelop the Iloilo City Central and Terminal Markets

Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by SM Supermalls and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.

In line with the national government’s thrust to transform the Philippines through PPPs and through collaboration between local government units (LGUs) and the private sector, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas recently signed the lease agreement with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. for the redevelopment of the Central and Terminal Markets in the bustling southern capital. SM is investing P1.5B to P2.5B in the project.

(L to R): Iloilo Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Iloilo Mayor Jerry Trenas, SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

“Wherever we can, we do markets for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small vendors in the same city where we have SM malls”, said Tan in a separate interview on the partnership. “SM has long been a part of Iloilo City, and it is now time for us to give back to the city.”

Tan cited that SM has partnered in the past with LGUs for such projects as the Marketmall in Dasmarinas, Cavite. It was well-received by the community, as it transformed the public market into a spacious, safe, clean, and more complete marketplace where both MSMEs and national brands are thriving.

“As a home for small businesses, the vendors of the public markets have a place where they can grow. The synergy between the established SM brand and those who are starting out has always been good for the customers, the businesses, and the city,” added Tan.

Top row (L to R): Iloilo Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Iloilo Mayor Jerry Trenas, SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo. 
Bottom row (L to R):  Emily Terolv- Peripheral Mabini, Lelibeth Villaran – Variety Section, Linda Roque – Annex Rizal, Ma. Paz Eclarinal – Back Fuentes (VP of Iloilo International Market Vendors Association), Johna Reyes – Meat Section, Valentina Estember – Rice & Grains (Board of Directors of New Iloilo International Market Vendors Association) and Philip Lim – Peripheral De Leon.

The modern markets will have retail spaces and ample parking. It aims to bring in not only more local customers, but hopefully will spur tourism as it will be a showcase of the best the city has to offer in terms of local products and well-loved Ilonggo food specialties.

“The MSMEs and vendors would definitely be selling more as it will be a convergence zone for the growth of micro, small, and medium businesses,” said Tan.

Mayor Trenas clarified that the management of the markets would remain with the city government through the Local Economic Enterprise Office.

“The city government will operate the markets. It will continue to deal with the vendors.” Trenas also told the vendors that their suggestions during the consultations would be considered.

Mayor Trenas cited that this is one of the many redevelopment projects ongoing and planned for the city. – Rappler.com