Iloilo Central Market

The Iloilo City Public Market, also known as Iloilo Central Market or Tienda Mayor, was a public market in Iloilo City, Philippines. It was one of the two largest palengkes in Iloilo City Proper, the other being the Iloilo Terminal Market, more commonly referred to locally as Super.

The two large public markets are currently undergoing redevelopment by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) through a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Iloilo City Government. The old structure was demolished with pledge for a faithful reconstruction made.

History
The Iloilo Central Market was opened to the public on January 15, 1912, with its Art Deco façade being added later in 1938. The market underwent its first renovation during the term of Acting Mayor Rosa Caram from 1986 to 1987.

The market was situated in the Calle Real Heritage Zone in the city's downtown area. It is surrounded by other heritage structures dating back to the Spanish and American colonial periods. It was designated as a Cultural Tourism Heritage Zone in 2013 and a Historic Center through NHCP Resolution No. 3, series of 2014.

On August 3, 2022, SM Prime Holdings was awarded a 25-year lease agreement for the redevelopment of the market.

Demolition
In March 2024, the Art Deco façade of the Iloilo Central Market was demolished to facilitate a stronger, accurate reconstruction, with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) having pledged to replicate the original design. This decision, however, sparked skepticism regarding the city government's approval process. Mayor Jerry Treñas faced administrative complaints related to the alleged unlawful demolition of the market. The complaints were filed by Jose Nereo Lujan, chief information officer of the Iloilo Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO), with the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas in Iloilo City. Despite the commitment made during the lease agreement signing in August 2022 to preserve the façade as a heritage structure, the recent demolition raised significant controversy.