The Iloilo City government, led by Mayor Raisa Treñas, together with SM Prime Holdings, is intensifying efforts to preserve and protect the authenticity of Iloilo Batchoy, one of the city’s most celebrated culinary treasures.
According to Treñas, both local and international tourists can enjoy authentic Iloilo Batchoy at the redeveloped Iloilo Terminal Market and Iloilo Central Market, which have become key destinations for food lovers exploring the city’s rich culinary heritage.
She highlighted homegrown brands such as Popoy’s Batchoy, Tebanz La Paz Batchoy, and Inggo’s La Paz Batchoy for continuing to provide authentic Iloilo Batchoy experiences for visitors. Their presence in the redeveloped markets supports SM Prime’s vision of preserving and promoting Iloilo City’s vibrant food culture.
The markets recently collaborated with the local government and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for the celebration of Filipino Food Month 2026, with the Iloilo Terminal Market serving as the venue for the kickoff event.
As part of a broader cultural preservation campaign, Treñas also convened multi-sectoral partners for an intensified initiative titled “Namit Gid!: A Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Ilonggo Batchoy.”
The initiative includes cooperation with University of the Philippines Visayas through its Center for West Visayan Studies and the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies, alongside the Department of Trade and Industry.
The collaboration brings together government agencies, academic institutions, cultural organizations, and industry stakeholders in a unified effort to preserve the heritage value, authenticity, and cultural identity embedded in Iloilo Batchoy.
“It is very important that we preserve and protect Batchoy as one of the strongest symbols of our Ilonggo identity and culinary heritage,” Treñas said.
Among the key topics discussed during the meeting were strategies involving Geographical Indication and Certification Marks, which aim to strengthen protection measures and further promote authentic Iloilo Batchoy.
The initiative also seeks to establish a core coordinating body that will streamline collaboration among government offices, academic institutions, local businesses, and cultural advocates.
“The creation of a Core Group was also proposed together with a stronger partnership with stakeholders and academe to spread awareness and clarify their roles and contributions in this advocacy,” Treñas added.
She also urged stakeholders to continue working together to strengthen Ilonggo pride in local cuisine, support tourism and local enterprises, and ensure that authentic Iloilo Batchoy is preserved for future generations.
The preservation initiative complements the ongoing redevelopment of the Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market under a 25-year lease agreement between the Iloilo City Government and SM Prime Holdings. The company invested approximately P3 billion to modernize the facilities and transform them into cleaner, safer, and more efficient commercial hubs.
Today, the redeveloped markets house around 2,000 stalls, providing upgraded facilities for vendors and a more organized and comfortable shopping experience for consumers.
The Iloilo Central Public Market operates daily from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the Iloilo Terminal Public Market is open from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The redevelopment project also aligns with Iloilo City’s “My Heart Beats in Iloilo City” campaign, which aims to celebrate the city’s heritage and culture while deepening residents’ connection and pride in their hometown.
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