Market vendors hold thanksgiving event after SM pullout

BAGUIO CITY — Market vendors and various stakeholders gathered at the Hangar Market on Friday, January 9, 2026, to hold a thanksgiving event following the withdrawal of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. from the city’s public market redevelopment project.

Dubbed the “Thanksgiving Pa-party!”, the gathering brought together vendors, residents, students, city councilors, and members of civil society groups.

Organizers said the activity was meant to express gratitude and unity amid renewed discussions on the future of the public market.

The event opened with a thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Elpidio Silug, followed by a short program led by the Save the Baguio Market Movement.

A banner displayed at the venue read, “Yes to Development! Yes to Celebration.”

Participants described the gathering as a show of support for development initiatives that involve market stakeholders and protect their interests, particularly as the city government prepares to reopen the project to new proposals.

The thanksgiving event came a day before the city council’s deadline to act on the proposed contract for the redevelopment project, which was later rendered moot following SM Prime Holdings’ decision to withdraw.