Iloilo Central Market

The Iloilo City Public Market, also known as Iloilo Central Market or Tienda Mayor, is a public market in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is 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.^[1] The old structure was demolished with a pledge for a faithful reconstruction made.

Main entrance of the market facing the Maria Clara Monument

Iloilo Central Market

The art deco façade of the market before the redevelopment
Location	Iloilo City, Philippines
Coordinates	10.692877°N 122.569451°E / 10.692877; 122.569451
Address	Iloilo City Proper
Opening date	January 15, 1912
Owner	Iloilo City government

The Iloilo Central Market was publicly opened on January 15, 1912. The Art Deco façade was added in 1938. It underwent its first renovation during Acting Mayor Rosa Caram's 1986 to 1987 term.^[2] 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 colonial times in Spanish and American history. It became a Cultural Tourism Heritage Zone in 2013, followed by becoming a Historic Center through NHCP Resolution No. 3 in 2014.^[2] On August 3, 2022, SM Prime Holdings was awarded a 25-year lease agreement for the redevelopment of the market.^[3]

In March 2024, the Iloilo Central Market's Art Deco façade was demolished to facilitate a stronger, accurate reconstruction, with SMPHI having pledged to replicate the original design.^[4] This decision, however, sparked skepticism regarding the city government's approval process.^[5] Mayor Jerry Treñas faced administrative complaints related to the alleged unlawful demolition of the market.^[6] 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.^[6]