by: Angelica Arquero

Baguio City Representative Mauricio Domogan has raised concerns over the ongoing consultations for the redevelopment of the Baguio Public Market, saying that some issues remain unclear to vendors and the public.

For Lorna Tiantico, who has been selling fish in the market for nearly 30 years, the project has sparked fear among small vendors like her.

“We’re sad because they didn’t explain clearly how our stalls would be handled,” she said. “That 60-40 sharing they mentioned, it’s hard for us small-time sellers. It feels unfair.”

She added that while redevelopment may help improve the city’s main market, many stall owners worry about their livelihood during construction.

“In those three years they plan to rebuild it, where will we go?” Tiantico asked. “They haven’t given us a concrete idea, does that mean we’ll stop selling for three years?”

Domogan pointed out that the consultations held with market stakeholders lacked clarity and transparency.

“If it’s a public-private partnership, it should be pro-city and pro-development,” he said. “Of course, developers will seek their return on investment, but the city and its people must also benefit.”

He added that details about the project’s direction were not properly explained. “During consultations, things weren’t clear, they just said it would be at Slaughterhouse,” he remarked.

Domogan also criticized the approach of some city officials, saying that vendors appeared pressured into agreeing. “It’s like they’re being forced into something they don’t fully understand,” he said.

He further noted that the city has existing credit lines with government banks such as the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank, which could be used to finance the project without requiring mall developers.

“I have nothing against SM,” he clarified, “but from what I’ve heard, the consultation didn’t clearly present the financial aspect, the possible outcomes or implications.”

City officials have maintained, however, that the public market will not be privatized and will remain under the management of the local government.

The final decision now rests with the Baguio City Council, which will determine whether the redevelopment will proceed through a Swiss Challenge or be entirely scrapped.