The Bacolod Central Public Market has stood for more than a century—a bustling heartbeat of commerce, community, and culture. But even as the market remains rich with life, promises of big infrastructure upgrades still feel far off on the horizon.
Rather than wait for change to come from the top, Jesa Chris T. Cañete asked: What if we could help the Central Market grow right now?
Her answer was both practical and powerful: a social media promotional campaign designed to uplift the vendors, reach more consumers, and keep the spirit of the market thriving in the digital age.
“The Central Market has served Bacolodnons since 1916,” Jesa explains. “It deserves efforts that honor its legacy, but also help it adapt to today’s needs.”
Instead of focusing on massive overhauls that may take years, Jesa’s project tackles the everyday realities—giving vendors visibility online, helping customers stay updated on market prices, best deals, and even making information on how to apply for a market space easily accessible to aspiring small business owners.
Her strategy is simple but transformative:
Turn the market’s vibrant community into an active social media presence.
Create real-time updates that inform customers where the freshest produce and the best local finds are.
Make the public see Bacolod Central Market not as something old and left behind—but as a living, evolving part of city life.
“I want to keep the market’s identity alive, while making sure it meets the modern needs of its customers,” Jesa says.
Through her campaign, the Central Market vendors—many of whom have relied solely on foot traffic for decades—could finally tap into a much wider audience. Younger consumers, busy workers, even tourists could rediscover the magic of the Central Market, one post at a time.
More than just advertising, Jesa’s campaign is a tool for survival and growth. It’s a way to bridge tradition and technology without losing the heart that makes the Central Market special.
“I hope to see vendors and customers develop stronger connections,” she adds. “And for the public to see that the Central Market is still a place of authentic service, transparency, and pride.”
In a time when big projects seem stuck in planning stages, Jesa Cañete offers something tangible: a plan to move forward—one story, one photo, one connection at a time.
Because progress doesn’t always have to wait for new walls or fancy roofs.
Sometimes, it starts with a smartphone—and a deep love for the places that built us.