ILIGAN CITY (PIA) –  The open-air night market at the City Public Plaza here  reopened on Sept. 2 after a five-year shutdown.

The operation of the weekend night market  was temporarily suspended by the previous administration on May 25, 2017 due to the Marawi siege and then the pandemic. 

“The purpose is really to improve the lives of Iliganons, labi na tong mahilig mag-negosyo ug ginagmay. One of the reasons apart from the economic improvement of the lives of operators is to make it sure na naa tay confidence building mechanism na pagka gabie walay problema ang Iligan kay pwede maglaag, because night economy of Iligan is very alive,” said City Administrator Darwin Manubag. 

(The purpose is really to improve the lives of Iliganons, especially those who like to do small business. One of the reasons apart from the economic improvement of the lives of operators is to make sure that we have a confidence building mechanism that Iligan has no problem at night because people can wander, because the night economy of Iligan is very alive.)

The newly-elected mayor, Frederick Siao pioneered the night market when he was still a councilor in 2011.  The night market earned P790,000 in 2011. It then increased to P2 million pesos per year.  

With the aim to give opportunity to the  Iliganon traders who were the most affected by the pandemic in the past years, the  night market was reopened. 

Siao called on the residents for their unity to bring back the city to its vibrant economy. 

“Hangyo na karon, unta kitang tanan magkahiusa mushare sa atong talent. Magtinabangay kita para mabalik nato ang Iligan sa where we want this city to become,” he said. 

Now, let's all come together and share your talents. Let's work together so that we can bring back Iligan to where we want this city to become," he said.

There are 173 arrays of stalls offering food and other items for sale such as affordable clothes, bags and shoes. 

The LGU also  enforced the no-backpack, no cap and no sharp item policy. The night market is open from Friday to Sunday which will start at 5pm.    (LELA/PIA-10-Lanao del Norte)