Mayor Raisa S. Treñas assured legitimate market vendors that the Iloilo City Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding their welfare and protecting their interests, while continuing to promote an orderly, safe, and inclusive market environment beneficial to all.
The mayor’s assurance came in response to the manifesto dated March 11, 2026, submitted by the Iloilo Terminal Market Vendors Association (ITMVA).
They expressed concern over the increasing number of bolanteros and the need for a long-term solution to the issue. While acknowledging that bolanteros also need livelihood opportunities, the association stressed that some continue to sell outside designated areas, directly competing with legitimate vendors operating inside the market.
The manifesto was signed by ITMVA president Joseph Cabuntad along with members of the association.
The association also appealed to the local government to implement a sustainable and long-term solution addressing concerns related to bolanteros.
In her response letter dated May 4, 2026, Mayor Treñas expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation of the association in maintaining order and vibrancy within the market.
“The Iloilo City Government sincerely expresses its gratitude for the strong support of the Terminal Market Vendors, as conveyed in your manifesto dated March 11, 2026. Your continued cooperation and commitment to maintaining order and vibrancy in the Iloilo Terminal Market are deeply appreciated,” the mayor stated.
Market Days/ Bolantero Days
As part of the city government’s initiative to provide organized, legal, and inclusive selling opportunities while ensuring fairness for registered market vendors, designated “Market Days” or “Bolantero Days” are being implemented in all city-run public markets.
The initiative is patterned after the traditional “Huwebesan” at the Jaro Big Market and assigns specific days for market activities in each public market across the city:
• Lunesan – Iloilo Central Market (from 6PM Monday to 5AM Tuesday)
• Martesan – Iloilo Terminal Market (from 6PM Tuesday to 5AM Wednesday)
• Huwebesan – Jaro Big Market (from 12 NN Wednesday to 12NN Thursday)
• Biyernesan – Mandurriao Public Market (from 6PM Friday to 5AM Saturday)
• Sabadohan – La Paz Public Market (from 6PM Friday to 5AM Sunday)
• Dominggohan – Arevalo Public Market (from 12NN to 7PM Sunday)
The city government emphasized that the initiative aims to balance livelihood opportunities for ambulant vendors while protecting the welfare and rights of legitimate market vendors operating within public markets. (Iloilo City PIO)
