A market gathering sparked hope.
Market stakeholders, artists, business community representatives, residents, and advocates against the Baguio Public Market privatization and mallification gathered at the fish section Sunday, October 26, for the launch of the Ili Press zine, “Naduma Duma, Istorya Para ti Palengke,” which compiles close to 50 stories, poems, and essays of the local market.
Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (DKK) opened the afternoon with a community dance, followed by writer and activist Luchie Maranan, with her piece about saving the Baguio Public Market.
Performance artist and director Angelo Aurelio presented a performance piece dedicated to the city market, followed by Jackie Alabat, a vendor from the sari-sari section, who shared her experience and thoughts on the current plight of vendors’ livelihoods in the public market.
A short piece by Lillia Calicdan, who opposed the UNIWIDE-led renovation and filed a case against then-Mayor Mauricio Domogan, pledged her support to oppose moves to again privatize the market through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) SM Prime Holdings deal.
The line up of speakers included Ellen Lao from the business sector, Atty. Joel Dizon, and Atty. Zosimo Abratique from the legal sector.
Padma Perez, a writer, anthropologist, and co-owner of Mt. Cloud Bookshop, spoke about the value of the market with Mike Cabangon from Kilusang Mayo Uno rendering songs.
Hendrix Sanchez of FridgeTV and Multimedia presented his documentary on the market and provided technical needs for the afternoon gathering.
The second zine from Ili Press has been dedicated to the public market, which aims to drum up awareness against the impending PPP deal the city will decide on.
The redevelopment proposal for the Baguio City Public Market, put forth by SM Prime Holdings Inc. (which holds Original Proponent Status), is currently under a 120-day review by the City Council. This comprehensive plan includes a commercial mall, a city-owned, four-level public market, and upgraded facilities featuring Cordilleran-inspired architecture.
The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement was forwarded for review after successful negotiation and endorsement by the City Development Council (CDC). The review period ends on January 10, 2026, by then the City Council must make its final decision, which involves a vote to either approve the proposal, reject it with changes, or entirely reject the deal.
Ili Press is led by Heather Pulido with editors Richard Giye, Dennise Ann Manzano, Abi Dango, Diwata Donato, Ralph Dallonga, Reinhardt Patrick Orillos, Lyca Orfiano, and Risha Mae Ordas.
Poems in the second zine include Hwak by i-aku, Nu kastanak nasuro mga agilakano by Andrea Genesis Sobremonte, Sa Nagluluto ng Pinakbet by Zang, Baguio Market by Rhanydell Bien Baysa, Nan Mankakanatken ay Lako ed Market ya Nan Macadal Maipanggep si Bilog by Susie Bengles -Baldo, Ditoy a Turod by Deo Ramos, Why is the Market on Fire by Francis Paul Fresnillo, Fish Market by Alan Carino, Barya lang po sa Umaga by Rai Aldrin Salvador, and Untitled by Daniela Mae Magbutay.
Fiction entries include MerCat by Ma. Sophia Gayle, Multo sa Kalye 140 by Xera, Ni Apong by Himwari, Nakasanayan, Kinasanayan at Kakasanayan by Flo, Counting fruit flies in the public market by Ian Sarmiento, Isang asawa, isang ama, isang anak ng Baguio by Hannah Cabarnilla, Ang Tawad ng Palengke by Mary Joy Campos, Pamamaalam by Adriene Cole Seridan, and Mainit Pala sa Baguio by Rica Amelia Bucu.
Non-Fiction entries include Tourist by Tia Nicholas, The Death of the Baguio City Public Market and other stories by Kathleen Loste, The City’s Heart by Dell, The Baguio Market Old by Luchie Maranan, Palengkera Legacy? What Leggacy (2009) by Padma Perez, Remarkable Public Markets in My Memory by Lingling Claver, Listahan by Nena, Ti Mallification ti Baguio Public Market by Danielle Mae Caccam, First Time by Kristina Padilla, Batanag Palengke by Ailah Mae Fernandez, A Home Without a House by Casper, The Market, the Chilies and the Manhole Malen, and a Letter sent by an anonymous contributor.
Artwork done by Millicent Lucio, Danica P, Nam Dessembrana, Lianne Tamares, Jefferson David, and Aceio. Photo contributions by Jet Deicana, Yoel Paquito, Christian Michael Dalida, Benjamin Meamo, and Fidel Catto.
The zine also carries an online petition which asks to “let the Baguio public market be for the Baguio people,” gathering signatures, and is to be submitted to the local government. By Maria Elena Catajan
