• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The P340-million two-storey new Talisay City Public Market in Negros Occidental is now open to the public.
Mayor Rowena Lopez-Lizares and her predecessor-husband Neil Lizares led the blessing and inauguration of the three-hectare facility at Hacienda Sian in Barangay 12-A on July 18.
Lopez-Lizares described the facility as a symbol of progress that honors the city’s rich trading heritage built by generations of market vendors.
“Today, we open a new chapter for the City of Talisay. The New Talisay City Public Market and Terminal Complex is proof that our city continues to grow, innovate, and serve for the common good,” she said.
The flagship infrastructure project was conceived in 2019 by the former mayor. The previous administration secured Development Bank of the Philippines financing in 2021 and broke ground in 2022.
Lopez-Lizares acknowledged that relocating to a new space requires adjustments but stressed that change is vital for long-term growth.
“We all know that change is not always easy. There are adjustments and challenges, but if we truly want a better future, we must also be willing to embrace better ways of doing things because progress comes with change,” she added.
“Leaving the old public market is not a departure from our traditions. Instead, it honors them by ensuring that the legacy built through years of hard work will continue to thrive for future generations,” the mayor said.
She has proposed making the market’s opening date an annual celebration to permanently showcase Talisay City’s culture, local products, and community spirit.
A major highlight of the day was the grand community sugba boodle fight, where thousands of Talisaynons gathered to celebrate.
The city government prepared 500 kilos of grilled pork to symbolize Talisay City’s official African swine fever-free status. | GPB
