City gov’t opens redeveloped Jaro big market
By Mary Joy Cavañas
The Iloilo City Government opened the redeveloped Jaro Big Market on December 10, 2025.
It was led by Mayor Raisa Treñas, in the presence of Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda, councilors of Sangguniang Panlungsod, Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) Head Maricel Mabaquiao, Jaro Public Market Vendors Association President Gregorio Sambolan, among others.
The new Jaro Big Market is described as a modern facility that retains the appearance and spirit of Jaro, the Mestizo District of Iloilo. Its architectural design was also inspired by the traditional and old houses in the district.
Located at the ground floor are the wet section and transport access, while dry goods, services, and elevated parking. The redeveloped market also has high ceilings and wide walkways providing comfortable movement for vendors and shoppers. It also has a pitch-roof design that gives an airy, heritage-inspired look.
The market capacity consists of existing vendors, including 122 stallholders and 171 transient vendors. There are also 547 new kiosks wherein 330 are located at the ground floor and 217 are at the second floor.
Jaro Big Market also has facilities, including:
* Parking area – 68 cars, 62 motorcycles, 10 transport slots
* Access stairs
* Ramp (from the sidewalk to the ground floor, there are ramps on both sides of the building)
* Elevator
* PUJ loading and unloading bay (El 98 Street)
* Delivery bays and service road
* Sprinkler system
* Generator set
* PA system
* Rainwater harvesting
* Septic vault, cistern tanks, individual grease traps for wet sections, provision for STP
* Security features: CCTVs
Rental rates in the market range from ₱790 to ₱1,021 per month, depending on the stall type and category.
In her message, Mayor Raisa Treñas conveyed her thanks and appreciation to the vendors and community members. She also emphasized how beautiful and well-arranged the new market is.
“You will now notice how lovely our market is — spotless, neat, more spacious, all authorized vendors are welcome back, and we can host more legitimate vendors. There is a dedicated parking space and quality amenities to enhance the service and working environment for both vendors and customers here,” Treñas said.
Treñas also expressed gratitude to everyone’s support, including Jaro’s residents, vendors, market committee, and LEEO, in making the market’s redevelopment possible.
She added that the market is not just a project of the city, but a part of the lives of the vendors and their families.
“Today, we come together to celebrate the opening of the new and more improved Jaro Big Market. Let us continue to take care of it. This is not just the legacy of my father’s administration (former Mayor Jerry Treñas) — but also your legacy for your families. This is where your livelihoods come from, and where you send your children to school,” said Treñas.
