Award-winning broadcast journalist and host Rico Hizon expressed admiration for Iloilo City’s newly redeveloped public markets — the Iloilo Central and Terminal Public Markets — and highlighted their vital role in enhancing the daily life of Ilonggos.
In the pilot episode of “SM in the City”, Hizon said the two iconic markets right at the city center have provided vendors selling fresh meat, fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, and other produce with improved facilities, including more space, better flow, and more people coming through.
Located just minutes apart, both markets have become more efficient and accessible, accommodating more vendors, attracting increased foot traffic, and enjoying better sales, he noted.
“Terminal Market supplies not just the city — but communities beyond it. With more space, more vendors are now accommodated,” said Hizon, who personally visited the markets and talked to vendors and customers alike about their experience.
Hizon also lauded the markets for providing vendors with greater opportunities to operate in the upgraded space, which also helps attract customers from all walks of life.
“They actually function better. They’re more organized, more vendors, of course, better customer flow,” he said.
He also pointed out the added convenience of connectivity, with both markets offering easy access to SM City Iloilo.
“These public markets take care of the basics — food, trade, daily income. Just like the Terminal Market, the Iloilo Central Public Market also has an easy access to the mall,” he stressed.
Hizon added that SM City Iloilo serves as a one-stop destination for errands, dining, work, and leisure, while Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo provides quality accommodation for visitors exploring the vibrant city.
“Cities don’t change overnight. When development stays close to the people they serve, you feel it,” Hizon said. “And here in Iloilo, you can.”
The Iloilo City Government entered into a 25-year lease agreement with SM Prime Holdings, which invested around P1.5 billion and P2.5 billion, respectively, to modernize the Iloilo Central Market and the Iloilo Terminal Market, transforming them into clean, safe, and efficient commercial hubs.
The redeveloped markets now house around 2,000 stalls, providing improved facilities for vendors and a more comfortable and organized shopping experience for consumers.
The Iloilo Central Public Market operates from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the Terminal Public Market is open from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The market redevelopment aligns with the local government’s “My Heart Beats in Iloilo City” campaign, which aims to showcase the city’s unique heritage and culture while fostering a strong emotional connection between residents and their city.
