Baguio vendors protest market mallification plan

BAGUIO CITY — Hundreds of market vendors, consumers, and community members marched from the Baguio City Public Market to Malcolm Square to oppose the proposed redevelopment of the century-old market under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with SM Prime Holdings.

Protesters carried placards declaring “Save the Baguio Public Market” and “Stop the SM Expansion,” denouncing what they described as the “mallification” of the city’s cultural and economic hub.

The six-hour rally featured talks facilitated by UP Baguio Professor Ruel Caricativo, who outlined the history of redevelopment attempts.

He noted that modernization proposals have circulated since the early 2000s but repeatedly stalled due to vendor resistance, funding gaps, and fears of privatization.

In 2020, SM Prime submitted an unsolicited proposal to redevelop the market, later granted “original proponent status” by the city government.

In February 2025, the City Development Council approved in principle a ₱4.5 billion PPP plan, sparking renewed opposition.

Vendors and residents argue the project risks displacing small traders, raising rental costs, and eroding the market’s heritage.

Atty. Zosimo Abratique of the Baguio Market Vendors Association stressed that the deal could “burden local consumers and compromise the city’s distinct cultural character”.

Community groups have since launched a signature campaign, with more than 20,000 signatories opposing the redevelopment.

Critics highlight transparency issues, as details of the PPP contract remain confidential.

Supporters of the plan argue it will improve sanitation, safety, and infrastructure, positioning the market as a modern tourist destination.