Baguio City sits at roughly 1,540 meters above sea level, a cool altitude that gives its soil and air a character distinct from the rest of the Philippines. That elevation, combined with volcanic soil, allows crops like lettuce, cabbage, and carrots to grow without the heat stress that dulls flavor and nutrients in the lowlands. The direct link between these mountain farms and the consumer is the Baguio City Public Market — a sprawling complex where the Hangar Section opens first each day, offering vegetables sourced from nearby Benguet farms before the rest of the city wakes up.
The market sits within walking distance of Session Road and Burnham Park, making it as much a destination for travelers as it is a daily stop for residents. But the market is not just a place to buy produce — it is also the site of a long-running debate over how to balance modernization with the livelihoods of the thousands who depend on it. A redevelopment plan estimated at P4.5 billion has been discussed since 2019, and the outcome will reshape what the market looks like — and who can afford to sell there.
What You Will Find at Baguio Public Market
The market is organized into distinct sections — a wet market for meats and seafood, a dry goods area, and a concentrated strip of souvenir stalls. First-time visitors often miss the range of handicrafts available because the vegetable section dominates the front. But the souvenir section, though smaller, holds some of the best values for handcrafted items that reflect Cordillera weaving and wood-carving traditions.
The P4.5 Billion Question
In 2019, Mayor Benjamin Magalong created a technical working group that crafted a Master Development Plan for the public market. The plan was presented to residents and concerned groups from November 14 to 21 of that year, and it drew mixed feedback. The proposal calls for a seven-story building with two basement parking levels, two public market floors, three commercial levels, and a rooftop event space. The estimated cost: P4.5 billion.
From February 14 to 17, 2020, Robinsons Land Corporation and SM Prime Holdings Inc. submitted unsolicited proposals. The P4-SC initially recommended RLC’s proposal but noted that its documents lacked substantive content. On October 14 of that year, SM Prime Holdings Inc. received a Certificate of Acceptance, with officials stating that its proposal offered greater advantage and benefits. The city administration, including Magalong and City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña, argued that equity financing, city coffers, and loans are unfeasible, asserting that a public-private partnership is the best route forward.
Lawyer Zosimo Abratique, president of the Baguio Market Vendors Association (BAMARVA), clarified that vendors oppose SM leading the project — not redevelopment itself. They want the city government or cooperatives to handle it, not a large corporation. Some small vendors and business owners even sought to raise P4 billion to bid against SM, though that effort faced obvious hurdles. The debate is not about whether the market needs upgrading — the city’s infrastructure challenges are well documented — but about who gets to shape that upgrade and who gets left out.
Hidden Costs and Sinkholes
A major concern involves the relocation of approximately 4,000 vendors to the old slaughterhouse site during construction. Abratique noted in March 2022 that the slaughterhouse is far smaller than the current market. A resident from Aurora Hill, which is 2.1 kilometers away, would need two jeepney rides to reach the slaughterhouse, making it particularly inconvenient after office hours. Marissa Generalao, a vendor since age nine, worries about her livelihood during the redevelopment period, as she supports two children studying nursing. Joseph Oretil, a vendor for 30 years, said he may seek side jobs during construction and questioned whether thousands of vendors could fit into the slaughter area.
Beyond the relocation logistics, there is a geological concern. Geraldine Cacho, chairperson of the TTU (a local organization), noted that sections of the market occupy the former Hilltop Hotel site, which collapsed during the July 1990 earthquake. She expressed concern about building a seven-story structure on potentially unstable ground. A 2023 climate risk assessment cited a sinkhole near the market, and a bus terminal collapse near the market swallowed three buses. The same assessment noted that Barangay Kayang-Hilltop is at high risk for sinkholes, and that at least 50% of Baguio City is vulnerable to sinkholes — a risk worsened by heavy loads and digging. The report concluded that sinkholes are a development-limiting factor, rendering some areas unfit for significant construction. A 2019 study also found that the city’s required urban road area has been breached since 1988, meaning infrastructure strain is not a new problem.
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| Concern | Detail | Who Is Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor relocation | 4,000 vendors to move to smaller slaughterhouse site | All current vendors, especially those with long commutes |
| Sinkhole risk | 50% of Baguio vulnerable; former Hilltop Hotel site collapsed in 1990 | Anyone occupying the redeveloped structure |
| Affordability after redevelopment | Rent and prices expected to rise with mall-style commercial space | Small vendors and low-income shoppers |
Seasonal availability adds another layer. The rainy season from June to September yields abundant fresh produce, while the drier months reduce selection. Visitors who time their trip around the wet season will find the widest variety at the lowest prices. Understanding these seasonal rhythms is part of what makes shopping at the market a skill that improves with experience.
How to Shop Smart at the Market
Go Early for Peak Freshness
The best time to visit is around 7 AM, when vendors display produce刚从 surrounding farms. Look for bright colors and firm textures — these are the signs of vegetables that were harvested within the past 24 hours. The Hangar Section is the first to open, so start there before the crowds build.
Know What to Buy
Strawberries are the iconic fruit of Baguio, sweetest in late summer. Benguet vegetables — lettuce, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and snow peas — are fresh, flavorful, and budget-friendly compared to Manila prices. For souvenirs, woodcrafts made from pine, handwoven bags and apparel, fresh flowers, and local food products like strawberry jam, ube jam, peanut brittle, Lengua de Gato, Benguet coffee beans, and local teas are all worth picking up. The souvenir section also carries handicrafts that reflect Cordillera culture, including woven wallets and accessories.
Bargain with Respect
Bargaining is common practice, especially when buying in bulk. Engage politely with vendors — a friendly greeting and asking about their products builds trust. Know the local market prices so you can negotiate fair deals without undervaluing the seller. Regular visits to preferred vendors can yield price breaks, fresh alerts, and even recipe suggestions. Many vendors now accept digital payments like GCash and Maya, but cash is still king for the best deals.
Prepare for the Trip
Bring eco-bags, as the city embraces eco-friendly practices and vendors may offer them if needed. Store leafy greens in perforated produce bags with slight dampness, and keep root vegetables in a cool, dark place with air circulation. Wash vegetables thoroughly — use a vinegar solution for robust produce and gentle rinsing for delicate greens. The creative culture of Baguio extends beyond the market, and the same respect for craftsmanship applies to how you handle the goods you bring home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Baguio Public Market open? ▾
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Can I bargain at the market? ▾
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What happens to the Baguio Public Market in the next few years will depend on how the city resolves the tension between modernization and the needs of its small vendors. The redevelopment plan is not yet set in stone, and the petition signatures and public opposition show that the conversation is far from over. For now, the market remains one of the best places in the country to buy fresh mountain produce and handmade goods — but timing, season, and a bit of local knowledge make all the difference between a good trip and a great one.
If this was useful, you might also want to read how Baguio tourism benefits expand to grassroots communities.
Sources
Sustainable tourism in Baguio: preserving its charm — Explores how the city balances visitor demand with long-term preservation, relevant to the market’s role in local culture.
Revisiting Baguio’s traditions: keeping the culture alive — Connects the market’s handicrafts and food products to broader Cordillera traditions.
High price of Baguio’s public market development. Nordis, 2025.
The locals’ hack to buying the freshest vegetables at Baguio Public Market. My Baguio City Guide, 2025.
Vibrant farmers markets and fresh produce in Baguio City. Travel Ni Juan, 2025.
Guide to Baguio Public Market 2025: must-buy souvenirs and local products. Pilipinas Popcorn, 2025.
