A people’s initiative may now take the lead in the market development.
A triumphant Atty Zosimo Abratique thanked God for the sudden decision of SM Prime Holdings to withdraw its proposal on the Baguio City Public Market redevelopment, paving the way for a peoples initiative.
Abratique said he was inside the church getting ready for prayers when the news broke.
The next step would be concertizing plans made to re develop the market “We do it by people’s initiative and let the city take the lead in the redevelopment.”
Abratique said the cooperatives will fully back the city government for the market re development as well as help in its funding exploring bonds as well as other avenues for funding
Late Saturday afternoon, City Hall Public Information Office confirmed a call from Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong relaying news that SM Prime Holdings has formally withdrawn its proposal to re develop the market.
The City Council is in the midst of a 120-day review period for the SM market deal, which started on September 10 and is set to end on January 9, 2026. During this period, the Council will decide whether to accept the project, accept it with revisions, or reject it altogether, sealing the fate of the public market.
SM Prime Holdings holds an Original Proponent Status (OPS) for the multi-billion-peso Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposal for the Baguio market redevelopment. The proposal includes a commercial mall area, ensures the new four-level public market remains city-owned, and features Cordilleran-inspired architecture and improved amenities.
Councilor Paolo Salvosa, chair for the Committee on Laws hosted two consultations gathering stakeholders to air their sentiments on the issue and has prepared a committee report to be submitted on Monday, January 5.
Salvosa said discussions will continue on how to develop the Baguio market “’Most likely discussion if ituloy yng loan or gradual lang using excess income lang ng palengke na mga 65M a year. Other option is parang Maharlika na mahahanap ng subsidy to complement.”
The opposition has grown against the SM PPP market deal with a signature campaign garnering over 30,000 signatures with the petition was officially submitted to the City Council in a bid to stop the project.
A daily noise barrage also is followed every 3:00 PM at the public market with the backing of the stakeholders, and performances, exhibits, concerts from the creative sector and testimonials from stakeholders.
The anticipated detrimental effects of the SM PPP market deal on small-scale vendors have fears of displacement and rising costs that would ultimately burden local consumers and compromise the city’s distinct cultural and economic character.
Councilor Edison Bilog, who has opposed the project, echoed Abratique’s relief but stressed the legislative body would have voted against the deal as well, citing majority of councilors not in favor of the deal.
Bilog said the opposition must become a lesson for the city government to be cautious of big-ticket projects which involve big corporations and stressed consultations with the public is crucial, “Kailangan muna ng masusing pag aaral bago papasokin ang malalaking corporation sa mga govt projects.” — Maria Elena Catajan