SM Prime nears completion of P2.3 Billion SM Iloilo Redevelopment

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is on track to complete the P2.3 billion redevelopment of SM City Iloilo by the first quarter of 2026, in line with its broader push to transform its commercial properties into future-ready spaces that anchor regional growth.

Artist’s perspective of SM Iloilo North Block with the planned National University Tower set to open in 2027.

The investment includes the addition of over 7,900 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) for the mall, over 23,670 square meters for the National University (NU), upgraded mall interiors, motion sensor escalators, an expanded skylight, a multi-level car park at the North Block and improved connectivity to the adjacent SM Strata, the tallest towers in Western Visayas and home to many IT-BPO companies.

“SM City Iloilo has been central to our growth and to the Ilonggo community,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim. “This investment will help drive domestic tourism, strengthen MSMEs, and unlock the city’s full potential.”

Opened in 1999 at the height of the Asian Financial Crisis, SM City Iloilo was the eighth SM Supermall built by SM Prime. A series of expansions between 2009 and 2016 grew its GLA from 71,979 square meters to 106,307 square meters.

Guided by ‘All For You’ strategy, new zones for athleisure, entertainment and amusement are being introduced to support the mall’s evolving tenant mix and growing customer base, while enhancing the overall visitor experience and attracting increased foot traffic.

The introduction of new and exciting concepts—many of which are firsts in Iloilo—such as Game Park, Fantasy World, Decathlon, TGI Friday’s and Chili’s, is set to further strengthen SM City Iloilo’s position as the region’s leading retail and lifestyle destination.

“Sustainability is also a key part of this redevelopment,” said Lim. “We are integrating eco-efficient features, including rooftop solar panels and advanced daylighting systems, as part of our broader commitment to building a greener, more energy-efficient property portfolio.”

The presence of NU by 2027—located within the complex—is also expected to boost foot traffic and reinforce the mall’s multi-generational appeal.

Once completed, SM City Iloilo will feature expanded retail and dining offerings, welcoming new brands and lifestyle destinations that will further cement its position as the premier lifestyle mall in Western Visayas. (SM PRIME)

SM Prime and Iloilo City Partner to Revitalize Public Markets as Cultural Landmarks

From left: SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu speak with a vendor as guests look on.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), in partnership with the Iloilo City Government, marked the opening of the newly redeveloped Iloilo Central Market and Terminal Market, two of the city’s largest and most historic public spaces.

The redevelopment is a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) signed in August 2022. With a total gross floor area of over 62,000 square meters, it broke ground in 2023, with nearly P3 billion invested to transform Iloilo City’s iconic markets into modern, efficient and inclusive centers of local enterprise.

The project was completed at no cost to the city and is managed by the Local Economic Enterprise Office to preserve the public character of the markets. This collaboration reflects SM’s Bold New Era — a commitment to creating spaces that evolve with communities, always All For You.

“This day marks an important milestone in the history of Iloilo City, a new beginning for our vendors and shoppers. Everything is organized, clean, bright and well-ventilated,” said Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu during the opening ceremony. 

Iloilo, named the Philippines’ first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023, is renowned for its culinary heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. The modernization of its public markets bridges tradition and innovation, ensuring that Ilonggo food culture and small enterprises can continue to grow and bring people together.

SM Iloilo Terminal Market (SITM) includes a lifestyle center that has a gross floor area of almost 20,000 square meters, which houses 58 long-term leasable spaces. Meanwhile, SITM’s market section has expanded to house 1,160 vendors from its previous 911 vendors.

“Before, the old market’s condition was really difficult for us. When it rained, everything got wet, and our regular customers found it inconvenient,” said Jedda Navales, a native coffee vendor at the SITM. “Now, with the new Iloilo Terminal Market, we’re finally leveling up.”

On the other hand, SM Iloilo Central Market (SICM)’s community space expands to more than 17,000 square meters of gross floor area that blends heritage and contemporary design highlighted by 61 long-term leasable spaces and communal dining areas, where beloved Ilonggo dishes such as batchoy, pancit molo and fresh seafood take center stage. SICM’s central market section now caters to 850 vendors from the previous 529.

“We’re confident more people will buy our products now that the market is clean, organized, and has parking spaces. Even when we were at temporary stalls, our loyal customers kept finding us. We’re proud to help promote Iloilo through our native roast chicken,” said Evangeline Janeo, owner of Rawit’s Litson at the SICM.

SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim shared the company vision for the project: “Public markets play an essential role in the community and in the lives of local entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, we are helping strengthen both, and we are grateful to the Iloilo City Government for their trust and partnership.”

As the SM Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets reopen, it begins a new chapter in Ilonggo life – one that honors the past while embracing what’s next.

For generations, these markets have been where people trade, share meals, and connect. Their renewal keeps that spirit alive – stronger, cleaner, and ready for the future. It’s part of how SM continues to grow with the communities it serves, always with them in mind. (SM PRIME)

Vista Land Leads the Way in Connected Living with 'Synchrony' in the Visayas

Connected Living in the Visayas Region was a platform for Vista Land to unveil its vision for real estate in Visayas, which is attuned to the islands' shifting urban patterns and strategic growth corridors.

The pulse of progress in Visayas resonated during Synchrony: Connected Living in the Visayas Region, a premier showcase of three new residential developments by Vista Land. Designed to be a convergence of culture, connectivity, and community building, it also became a platform for Vista Land to unveil its vision for real estate in the region, which is attuned to the shifting urban patterns and strategic growth corridors in the islands.

Engr. Ric A. Pallesco, Group Head for South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, gave an inspiring talk to business partners at the launch of  Vista Land’s new residential developments in the Visayas Region.

The event brought together the Vista Land business team and partners to explore how connections among heritage, home, and human-scale planning can refine the horizons of residential living in Camella Orilla in Dumaguete City, Camella Montevia in Cebu, and Harland Place at Georgia in Iloilo. In his welcome address, Engr. Ric Pallesco, Vista Land Group Head for South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, highlighted the role of expanding infrastructure in facilitating the movement of people, goods, and opportunities across the region. " These road networks are foundational forces making our newest residential developments both scalable and sustainable," noted. "As 'regional economies reach their potential, Vista Land positions itself at its intersections, where accessibility meets aspiration, and where residential vision meets real-world opportunities."

Beauty titlist, entrepreneur, and corporate host Vanessa Caro welcomed the attendees to an afternoon marked by rhythm and regional pride.

Host Vanessa Caro welcomed the attendees while the interpretive interludes by the Sidlangan Dance Company captured themes of form, flow, and function, aligned with the Vista Land ethos of creating communities in concert with their surroundings. Representatives from Vista Land Strategic Commercial Assets Division introduced a range of commercial land and space leasing opportunities in the region. As the event drew close, company executives raised a ceremonial toast, a symbolic gesture of shared vision and steadfast commitment. Attendees left informed and inspired, witnessing how Vista Land continues to chart the course of Philippine real estate, one region, one road, and one community at a time.

Rooted in place, reaching in purpose

The highlight of Synchrony was the presentation of residential developments across Dumaguete City, Cebu, and Iloilo, built to respond to the evolving needs of Visayan families and communities.

The highlight of Synchrony was the launch of three new homes in Dumaguete, Cebu, and Iloilo—each designed to fit local life and meet the needs of Visayan families.

With direct access to the Dumaguete North Road and a short distance from the downtown area through the Bacolod Economic Highway and Sibulan Airport, Camella Orilla is where the serenity of nature meets the sanctuary of a built environment. The community invites residents to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle without compromising on modern conveniences, tailored for Overseas Filipinos and seasoned retirees seeking a restful yet rewarding pace of life.

Adding to the momentum was the introduction of Camella Orilla in Dumaguete City and Camella Montevia in Talamban, Cebu by Concept Development Officer Ar. Eric Suarez.

Along the sloping ridges in eastern Cebu, Camella Montevia in Talamban presents a haven within reach of South Road Properties (SRP). Combining calm and connectivity, the residential neighbourhood offers premium residential living with access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and economic centres, making it ideal for growing families.

At Harland Place in Savannah, Iloilo, an enclave of themed residential developments will rise, built for professionals advancing in their careers.

Within Georgia, the biggest lifestyle destination in Iloilo, Harland Place in Savannah, will rise, and an enclave of themed residential developments will be built for professionals advancing in their careers. With construction on the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway underway and the Iloilo International Airport continuing to expand its reach, the province is rapidly becoming a vital gateway within Visayas and the entire country. 

Historic Quezon Hall at WVSU set for adaptive restoration

The Henry Sy Foundation (HSFI), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and SM Foundation have recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the adaptive restoration of the century-old Quezon Hall, an initiative to preserve a key educational heritage in Iloilo City.

Collaborating for the adaptive restoration of the century-old Quezon Hall or Bulwagang Quezon of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City. Joining the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement are WVSU’s Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Dr. Porferio Barlas, and SM Foundation and Henry Sy Foundation’s Debbie Sy, Dr. Lydia Echauz, Virginia Yap, Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal, Carmen Linda Atayde, and Juris Soliman. 

Bulwagang Quezon, a landmark structure dating back to 1926, weathered the destruction of World War II. It was rebuilt in 1946 under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act. Over the decades, the building has undergone various minor renovations, but the hall has not seen a major rehabilitation since its post-war reconstruction.

Bulwagang Quezon, a landmark structure dating back to 1926, is the first unit of a u-shaped group of buildings. It is strategically located at the highest elevation of the university, making it is a focal point of the entire WVSU.

This said collaborative undertaking aims to return the building to its former glory and adapt it for modern educational needs. It also hopes to benefit current and future WVSU students while also preserving an important landmark in the history of education in Western Visayas.

The HSFI, known for its mission to empower youth and foster a culture of achievement, is supporting this endeavor as part of its broader goal to drive Philippine social development through educational grants. (SM Foundation)