There is always something to love about Baguio City. Food choices, thrift shops, tourists spots – you name it, the city never runs out of surprises. For one, the infamous Baguio Public Market has become an image of home and heritage for locals and tourists alike. And for many years, it has become a brimming point of everything the city has to offer. But just like anything good in the world, the market – which we have all grown to love – deserves to get an upgrade.

The market as we know it

Slippery floors and cramped passages (with constantly wet walls you wouldn’t dream of touching) will welcome you when you enter the market. If you're really unlucky, you’ll step on a puddle of dirt, even in the dry goods area. There are clean-up drives in the market, but with the amount of daily foot traffic, the efforts seem ineffective. Sewers are unclogged and "washed" to prevent flooding, but the unwanted aroma of stagnant water sticks and stays.

This has been the daily scene in the market for years. With the same recurring issues, no wonder the City Hall had to reach out for help. And it’s about time we let them have their way. With these years post-pandemic looking like they’re going to bring a surge of tourists, we should go all out in upgrading our public market to ensure the safety of everyone. In this day and age, we cannot think 5 years ahead, but 10 or 20.

Benefits of the market rehab

Unfortunately, the Baguio LGU cannot afford to improve the market on their own as it would cost billions to finance its much-needed rehabilitation. To collaborate with a private investor is simply pragmatic.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI)’s market rehab proposal eyes a 7-storey establishment designed to promote safety and convenience, boost local tourism, and support homegrown businesses and vendors. Exceeding the market’s current 3,982 stall count, the proposal provides more space for business owners with 5,300-stall capacity. Moreover, a PhP632-million fund was allotted for a temporary relocation structure. The SMPHI plan allocates the Lower Ground Floor and Upper Ground Floor solely for the city’s current vendors.

Breathing new life to its existing stone columns along itsavenue, SMPHI’s market redev proposal suggests these columns to be converted into “green hallways” with pocket gardens and seating areas to give walkers a pleasurable resting and lounge area. The proposed design will also include multi-level parking with 1,900 slots, and green spaces such as a rooftop Sky Garden where visitors can unwind and enjoy Baguio’s famed cool climate.

Poised to become the city’s new show-window, the Baguio Public Market is set to bring forth new experiences and opportunities for locals, tourists, and surrounding communities. At the end of the day, the Baguio LGU is after the common and best interest of all.