ABSTRACT
The descriptive-qualitative study determined the lived experiences, perceived benefits, challenges, coping mechanisms, and recommendations of consumers and vendors following the rehabilitation of Central market in Iloilo City. Using a phenomenological design, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with fifteen (15) participants, seven (7) vendors and eight (8) consumers, and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that rehabilitation improved cleanliness, organization, facilities, and overall user experience, resulting in better comfort, accessibility, and convenience, as well as better facilities and operational efficiency. However, participants also encountered challenges such as accessibility concerns, unfamiliarity with the new layout, rising costs, weak mobile signal, and low customer turnout. To cope, participants adopted strategies such as budgeting, planning, and familiarization with the market set-up. The study concludes that while the rehabilitation has enhanced the market environment, continuous improvements are needed to address existing challenges and promote a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable public market.
Keywords: Experiences, Consumers, Vendors, Rehabilitated Central Market
INTRODUCTION
Public markets have long served as essential spaces for economic exchange, social interaction, and cultural identity. In many Philippine cities, public markets serve as primary sources of affordable goods for consumers and stable livelihoods for small-scale vendors. They function not only as places where goods are bought and sold, but also as community hubs that reflect local traditions, daily routines, and livelihoods. For many consumers, public markets are valued for accessibility and affordability, while for vendors, they serve as primary sources of income and long-term livelihood. Beyond their economic function, these spaces foster daily social encounters that contribute to a sense of community and belonging. Because of this multifaceted role, the condition and management of public markets directly influence the quality of life of urban residents.
In Iloilo City, the Iloilo Central Market has historically played a central role in the city’s commercial and social life. As one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city, it caters to a wide range of consumers and supports numerous small-scale vendors. However, prior to its rehabilitation, the Central Market faced challenges such as aging infrastructure, congestion, sanitation concerns, and safety issues, which affected both consumers’ shopping experiences and vendors’ working conditions.
In response, the local government undertook a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Central market as part of its urban development and public service improvement initiatives. Market rehabilitation projects are often intended to modernize facilities, enhance cleanliness and safety, and improve operational deficiency. According to the World Bank, investments in public infrastructure such as markets are crucial in supporting inclusive economic growth and improving access to essential services, particularly for low-income communities.
While infrastructure redevelopment aims to bring positive change, previous studies suggest that physical improvements alone do not guarantee positive outcomes for all stakeholders (Gehl, 2010). Research on redesigned public spaces indicates that changes in layout, accessibility, and management can significantly influence users’ experiences, behaviors, and sense of well-being (Chen & Lee, 2023). For vendors, rehabilitation may affect customer flow, income stability, and daily work routines, while consumers may experience changes in convenience, comfort, and market atmosphere.
Despite the importance of these human-centered impacts, existing studies on market rehabilitation often focus on economic performance and physical outcomes, with limited attention given to the lived experiences of consumers and vendors, particularly in local Philippine contexts. Understanding these experiences through a qualitative lens is essential to determine whether rehabilitation efforts align with stakeholders’ needs and expectations.
This study, therefore, sought to explore the lived experiences of consumers and vendors in the rehabilitated Central Market of Iloilo City. By capturing their narratives and perceptions, the research aimed to provide deeper insights into the social and experiential impacts of market rehabilitation and to inform future public market development and urban initiatives, as well as to formulate possible policies for overall market improvement.
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