Opposition to the SM Market redevelopment plan is rising.
In a statement, Ili Press warned against transforming the century-old institution, Baguio City Public Market into a tourist-centric commercial space.
The statement said any improvements must be based on meaningful discussions with the main stakeholders: the vendors and marketgoers. They believe a “world-class” market should not be forced if its construction disregards the rights, wishes, and needs of its vendors and patrons.
While the group affirms it is “in no way against the improvement” of the market’s current infrastructure—particularly its sewage, wiring, and other utilities—they draw a firm line against what they term its “mallification.”
Ili Press is a group of story tellers in the field of the academe, literary, film and visual arts banding with the advocacy to share the stories of the community.
Today, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal for the Baguio City Public Market redevelopment is on the 120-day review by the City Council, following its successful negotiation and endorsement by the City Development Council (CDC).
The current proposal is from SM Prime Holdings Inc., which holds the project’s original proponent status (OPS), the plan includes a commercial mall area, a four-level public market city-owned, and Cordilleran-inspired architecture and improved amenities.
The statement is signed by: Heather Ann Pulido, Risha Mae Ordas, Abi Dango, Ralph Dollaga, Reinhardt Patrick J. Orillos, Nate Bautista, Richard Giye, Lyca Orfiano, Myrrh Khalim Garnet Sacki, Nam Desembrana and Denise Ann Manzano.
Pulido said “As of now, ili press wants to remind people, especially Baguio citizens, of the plight of the market vendors as they anticipate the final decision on the proposed market redevelopment plan.”
After a public consultation in February 2025, the CDC approved the P4.5 billion proposal in principle. It referred the documentation to its secretariat for confirmation before its submission to the City Council.
Pulido said, Ili Press will continue to share stories of the market and stakeholders as a way to resist the planned PPP between the Baguio LGU and SM, in the hope to inspire more citizens and advocates to fight for the preservation of the essence of the city market while still allowing much-needed structural improvements.
The ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed development of the Baguio City Public Market have drawn a strong public statement from ili press, an independent group of concerned citizens, who warn against transforming the century-old institution into a tourist-centric commercial space.
“The Baguio City Public Market has served the daily needs of Baguio people for over a century,” the statement reads. The signatories argue that the market should continue to prioritize its function as a vital community hub rather than being “rebranded primarily as a tourist spot that needs to be renovated to suit the tastes of visitors.”
Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod issued an advisory explaining, on September 10, 2025, Mayor Benjamin Magalong transmitted to the Baguio City Council the resolution of the City Development Council (CDC) confirming the Baguio City Public Market Redevelopment Project. The next day, the completeness of the submitted documents related to the project was certified by the Secretary to the Sanggunian.
The 120-day review period of the city council formally began on September 12, 2025 in which legislators can approve the proposal, approve it with revisions, or reject it. By Maria Elena Catajan
