Merkado Lokal Iloilo City Hits P7.4-M in Sales
ILOILO CITY — The Merkado Lokal initiative generated P7.4 million in sales during its recent two-day run, according to data from the Philippine News Agency. Held August 26–27, 2026, at the KER Building in the city’s Lunok Area, the event served as a direct platform for local farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to sell produce directly to consumers.
Eliminating Agricultural Intermediaries
The project aims to cut out middlemen in the agricultural supply chain, allowing growers to retain the entirety of their sales revenue. The city government provided the venue free of charge to help vendors keep prices lower for the public.
Fresh Produce and Operating Hours
Available goods included seasonal fruits, vegetables, root crops, herbs, and seedlings for home gardening.
The market operated from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, catering to both early morning shoppers and the general public throughout the two-day period.
Charter Day and Culinary Heritage
The timing of the market coincided with Iloilo City’s 89th Charter Day celebration. The event’s theme, “89 Years of Progress Toward a Better Iloilo City for All,” emphasized the role of local agricultural support in regional food security.
Iloilo City currently holds a designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The local government utilized the Merkado Lokal to highlight the farm-to-table supply chains that support the city’s culinary heritage. The use of the KER Building, a heritage structure within the Iloilo City Hall complex, was intended to link the city’s agricultural commerce with its historical identity.
Waste Reduction and Next Steps
Organizers encouraged attendees to bring reusable eco-bags to minimize plastic waste during the event. The city government has positioned the market as a recurring effort to foster inclusive economic growth by connecting rural and urban producers directly with city residents.