Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran has announced that the final design for the new Isulan Public Market is nearly complete, with Phase 1 construction targeted to begin in August 2026. The architectural vision reveals a modern public market that will serve as a commercial hub for Sultan Kudarat’s capital, featuring retail spaces, dining areas, and community gathering zones. This phased development represents a major infrastructure development milestone for Isulan as the municipality pursues its cityhood bid, with pre-construction preparations including permits, site preparation, and engineering requirements currently in their final stages.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Introduction
- The Announcement: Phase 1 Construction Set for August 2026
- Pre-Construction Preparations Underway
- A Closer Look at the Modern Isulan Public Market Design
- Beyond a Traditional Public Market
- Organized Shopping Environment
- Tropical Modern Architecture
- A Community Destination
- What the Renderings Represent
- Isulan’s Infrastructure Momentum and Cityhood Bid
- The Cityhood Aspiration
- Meeting Cityhood Requirements
- Supporting Infrastructure Projects
- Official Statements and Community Support
- Mayor Sakaluran’s Vision
- Community Impact
- What’s Next: Timeline and Future Phases
- Phase 1 Construction (August 2026)
- Future Phases
- Staying Informed
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. When will the new Isulan Public Market start construction?
- 2. What does the new Isulan Public Market design look like?
- 3. Who is the mayor of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat?
- 4. Is Isulan pursuing cityhood status?
- 5. What is the population of Isulan?
- 6. Will the entire market be completed in Phase 1?
- 7. What amenities will the new Isulan Public Market have?
- 8. Where is Isulan located?
- 9. How many barangays does Isulan have?
- 10. What is Isulan known as?
- 11. Who filed the cityhood bill for Isulan?
- 12. What are the requirements for cityhood in the Philippines?
- 13. Does Isulan meet the cityhood requirements?
- 14. What infrastructure projects are happening in Sultan Kudarat?
- 15. Who is the governor of Sultan Kudarat?
- 16. What is the “Bagong Angat Isulan” program?
- 17. When was Isulan founded?
- 18. What is the income classification of Isulan?
- 19. How can I stay updated on the Isulan Public Market project?
- 20. Where can I find official announcements from the LGU Isulan?
- Disclaimer
Key Takeaways
- Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran announced that the final design for the new Isulan Public Market is nearly complete, with Phase 1 construction targeted to begin in August 2026
- The architectural renderings reveal a modern public market concept featuring grocery, pharmacy, bakery, clothing stores, computer shops, and dining establishments
- The design embraces a tropical modern architecture with curved roofs, wood-like elements, open spaces, and landscaped areas
- The project will be built in phases, with the renderings showing the long-term vision rather than what will be completed in Phase 1 alone
- The new Isulan Public Market is part of the municipality’s broader infrastructure development push as it pursues cityhood status, with the Regional Development Council 12 having formally endorsed the conversion
Introduction
Isulan, the capital of Sultan Kudarat, is on the verge of a significant transformation. Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran has announced that the final design for the new Isulan Public Market is nearly complete, with Phase 1 construction targeted to begin in August 2026. The announcement, shared through the mayor’s official social media channels, has generated considerable excitement among residents, vendors, and business owners who have long awaited a modernized public market for the municipality.
With a population of 101,455 residents according to the 2024 POPCEN census, as recorded by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Isulan serves as the administrative and commercial center of Sultan Kudarat. The municipality, known as the “Oil Palm Capital of the Philippines”, is a first-class municipality with a land area of 541.25 square kilometers and hosts key government offices, educational institutions, and business establishments. The new Isulan Public Market represents a critical piece of infrastructure development for a municipality positioning itself for cityhood—a goal that has received formal endorsement from the Regional Development Council (RDC) 12.
The architectural renderings shared by the mayor reveal a vision that goes far beyond a traditional wet market. The proposed development appears designed as a modern public market and commercial center, integrating retail spaces, dining options, and community gathering areas within a tropical modern architectural framework. This article provides a comprehensive look at the announcement, the design vision, and what this project means for Isulan and the broader Sultan Kudarat province.
The Announcement: Isulan Public Market Phase 1 Construction Set for August 2026
Mayor Bai Rihan Sakaluran took to social media to share the exciting news with Isulan residents. According to the announcement, the final design for the new Isulan Public Market is now nearly finalized, with the architectural concept shown in the renderings closely reflecting the intended design—though final construction plans could still see adjustments.
The mayor’s announcement confirms that pre-construction preparation is currently in its final stages across multiple fronts. This includes finalizing engineering requirements, securing permits, budgeting, procurement processes, site preparation, and other essential pre-construction work. The comprehensive nature of these preparations indicates that the LGU-Isulan is taking a methodical approach to ensure the project’s successful execution.
Significantly, the mayor specified that construction will proceed in phases. The post explicitly mentions “Phase 1,” confirming that the entire market development will be divided into several stages. This phased development approach allows for systematic progress while managing resources effectively. The architectural renderings shared alongside the announcement represent the broader vision for the finished market—not necessarily everything that will be completed in Phase 1 alone.
Phase 1 construction is targeted to begin in August 2026. As of this writing, the LGU-Isulan is in the final stages of pre-construction preparations to meet the target start date.
Pre-Construction Preparations Underway
The LGU-Isulan, under the leadership of Mayor Sakaluran, is currently engaged in comprehensive pre-construction preparation activities:
| Preparation Area | Status/Details |
|---|---|
| Final Design | Nearly complete; architectural renderings shared publicly |
| Engineering Requirements | Under finalization |
| Permits | Being secured |
| Budgeting | Ongoing (specific figures remain confidential) |
| Procurement | In process |
| Site Preparation | In the final stages as of August 2026 |
| Phasing Plans | Phase 1 defined; future phases to follow |
A Closer Look at the Modern Isulan Public Market Design
Beyond a Traditional Public Market
The architectural renderings shared by Mayor Sakaluran reveal a vision that reimagines what a public market can be. Rather than a conventional open-air or crowded market concept, the proposed Isulan Public Market is designed as a modern public market and commercial center that integrates multiple retail and service categories within an organized, aesthetically pleasing environment.
The first image in the series shows a large, modern market building prominently displaying the words “ISULAN PUBLIC MARKET.” The design departs significantly from traditional market concepts, incorporating:
- Grocery sections
- Pharmacy
- Bakery
- Clothing stores
- Computer shop
- Dry goods sections
- Other retail establishments
- Parking areas
- Landscaped outdoor spaces
- A large central entrance
This comprehensive mix of offerings suggests that the vision extends beyond a simple wet market to encompass a full-service commercial hub that can meet the daily needs of Isulan residents and visitors alike.
Organized Shopping Environment
The second rendering provides a closer look at the storefronts, with clear labels indicating:
PHARMACY → GROCERY → CLOTHING → DRY GOODS
This organization suggests that the proposed market is designed to consolidate different types of everyday shopping into one organized complex. Instead of navigating through narrow, crowded stalls, customers would experience individual storefronts, wider pedestrian areas, organized parking, and a more mall-like environment.
This design approach addresses common complaints about traditional public markets—congestion, disorganization, and limited accessibility—while preserving the community-oriented character that makes public markets essential social and economic spaces.
Tropical Modern Architecture
One of the most distinctive features of the proposed Isulan Public Market is its architectural identity. The design incorporates:
- Curved roofs that evoke traditional Filipino architecture
- Wood-like vertical elements that add warmth and texture
- Large arches that create a sense of openness and grandeur
- Open spaces that encourage circulation and community interaction
- Tropical landscaping with palm trees and native plants
- Natural-looking materials that blend with the surrounding environment
The surrounding mountain landscape visible in the renderings further reinforces the connection between the market and its setting. The design appears intended to give the market a modern tropical identity, distinguishing it from generic concrete commercial buildings.
A Community Destination
The fourth rendering is particularly revealing, showing what appears to be an indoor shopping promenade with restaurants, cafés, and retail stores on both sides. Visible concepts include:
- Café
- Bakery
- Fashion/clothing
- Accessories
- Boutiques
- Other retail shops
- Seating areas
- Landscaping
- Open-air/covered pedestrian areas
This vision suggests that the long-term goal is to create something closer to a public market + commercial center + community gathering place—a destination where residents can shop, dine, socialize, and spend time in a welcoming environment.
What the Renderings Represent
It is important to emphasize the distinction between the architectural renderings and the immediate reality. The images shared by Mayor Sakaluran show the proposed vision/design for the new Isulan Public Market. They do not mean that the entire building already exists or that every feature shown will necessarily be included exactly as pictured.
The mayor’s actual announcement is about the project reaching its final design/preparation stage and the planned start of Phase 1 construction in August. The timeline can be understood as:
Planning → Final Design → Pre-construction Preparation → Phase 1 Construction → Future Phases → Completed Market
The images serve to help residents visualize what the new Isulan Public Market could look like when fully developed.
Isulan’s Infrastructure Momentum and Cityhood Bid
The Cityhood Aspiration
The new Isulan Public Market project arrives at a pivotal moment for the municipality. Isulan is actively pursuing cityhood status, a goal that has received significant support from regional and national bodies.
House Bill (HB) 389, titled “An Act Converting the Municipality of Isulan, Province of Sultan Kudarat into a Component City to be Known as the City of Isulan,” was filed by Sultan Kudarat 1st District Representative Ruth T. Mangudadatu-Sakaluran. The bill has been read on first reading at the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Local Government for study and deliberation.
The Regional Development Council (RDC) 12, the highest socioeconomic planning and policy-making body in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, has formally endorsed the conversion through RDC XII Resolution No. 182, series of 2025. The endorsement was made during the Council’s 90th Regular and Reorganizational Meeting held on August 20, 2025 at the DEPDev Regional Office XII in Koronadal City.
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) reported that RDC 12 has long supported Isulan’s cityhood aspirations, having passed resolutions in 2019 and 2024 reaffirming support for the municipality’s conversion. Currently, Isulan and Alabel in Sarangani are the only provincial capitals in Region XII that remain classified as municipalities.
Mayor Bai Rihan Sakaluran has expressed full support for the initiative, stating:
“Kapag naging lungsod na po ang bayan ng Isulan, mas magkakaroon ng mas malaking budget mula sa national government, mas maraming oportunidad para sa imprastraktura, edukasyon, kalusugan, negosyo at iba pang serbisyo publiko.”
(Translation: “When the municipality of Isulan becomes a city, it will have a larger budget from the national government, more opportunities for infrastructure, education, health, business, and other public services.”)
Meeting Cityhood Requirements
Under Republic Act (RA) 9009, which amended the Local Government Code of 1991, a municipality must meet requirements on income (at least ₱100 million in annual income for the last two years), population (at least 150,000) or land area (at least 100 square kilometers) to qualify for cityhood.
Isulan satisfies the income and area requirements of RA 9009. According to the Department of Trade and Industry’s Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (DTI-CMCI), the municipality is classified as a first-class municipality earning ₱582 million in 2024. The DTI-CMCI also ranks Isulan 1st in Compliance to ARTA Citizens Charter and 1st in Getting Business Permits, demonstrating the LGU’s commitment to efficient public service.
Cityhood would elevate Isulan’s status and unlock greater resources for infrastructure development, education, health services, and business growth.
Supporting Infrastructure Projects
The new Isulan Public Market is part of a broader wave of infrastructure development across Sultan Kudarat and Isulan specifically.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the rehabilitated Antong Dam and Irrigation System in Sultan Kudarat on June 25, 2026. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-managed project restores reliable water supply to 1,563 hectares of farmland, directly benefiting 355 farmers and their families.
The rehabilitation was undertaken after flooding and severe weather events in 2021 and 2022 damaged the dam and disrupted irrigation services. NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen emphasized that the project reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening irrigation infrastructure and supporting Filipino farmers.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is implementing 17 farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Sultan Kudarat valued at nearly ₱2.4 billion. These projects will pave over 120 kilometers of roads, connecting farming communities to trading centers. Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu noted that these road projects are expected to improve access to coffee-producing and other agricultural areas in the province.
At the municipal level, LGU-Isulan has been implementing various infrastructure projects, including:
- A ₱36.7 million road network project benefiting 2,000 hectares and 1,000 households
- Potable water system subprojects improving public health
- A ₱100 million riverbank protection project
- A pedestrian overpass at Sultan Kudarat State University
The Isulan Public Market project represents one of the most visible and impactful infrastructure developments in the municipality’s recent history.
Official Statements and Community Support
Mayor Sakaluran’s Vision
Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran’s announcement reflects her administration’s commitment to modernizing Isulan’s infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents. According to her profile on Rappler, Mayor Sakaluran previously served as Representative of the 1st District of Sultan Kudarat (2019-2022) and Mayor of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat (2016-2019) before being elected as Isulan’s mayor.
Her administration has launched the “Bagong Angat Isulan: Serbisyo para sa Katawhan” program, a barangayan initiative that brings essential government services directly to communities. The program has been implemented across multiple barangays, including Barangay New Pangasinan on April 14, 2026.
Mayor Sakaluran has also implemented the Integrated Business One-Stop Shop (IBOSS) to speed up permit processing for businesses, demonstrating her focus on creating a business-friendly environment that supports economic growth. This commitment is reflected in the DTI-CMCI ranking, where Isulan placed 1st in Getting Business Permits.
Her administration’s “Smile Policy,” implemented through an executive order, has emphasized the importance of friendly and efficient public service.
Community Impact
The new Isulan Public Market is expected to deliver significant benefits across multiple sectors:
For Vendors:
- Modern facilities with organized storefronts
- Improved business environment
- Better visibility and customer access
- Enhanced operational efficiency
For Shoppers:
- Cleaner, more organized shopping experience
- Wider pedestrian areas and improved accessibility
- Comprehensive range of products and services
- Comfortable, airy environment
For the Community:
- A new community gathering place with seating and landscaped areas
- Economic stimulus through increased commerce
- Enhanced municipal identity and pride
- Support for Isulan’s cityhood aspirations
What’s Next: Timeline and Future Phases
Phase 1 Construction (August 2026)
Phase 1 construction of the Isulan Public Market is targeted to begin in August 2026. As of this writing, the LGU-Isulan is in the final stages of completing all necessary pre-construction preparations to meet the target start date.
Residents and stakeholders can expect:
- Site preparation activities to be completed in the coming weeks
- Procurement processes nearing finalization
- Permitting and regulatory compliance being secured
- Community engagement and updates through official channels
Future Phases
The phased development approach means that the full vision for the Isulan Public Market will be realized over time. Future phases will gradually bring additional features and facilities online, eventually completing the modern public market and commercial center envisioned in the architectural renderings.
Staying Informed
Residents can stay updated on the project’s progress through:
- The official social media channels of Mayor Bai Rihan Sakaluran
- The official LGU Isulan Facebook page for municipal announcements and updates
- The Sultan Kudarat Provincial Government website for provincial-level updates
- Local news outlets and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) coverage
- SultanKudarat.com for ongoing coverage of Isulan’s development
Conclusion
The announcement that Phase 1 construction of the new Isulan Public Market will begin in August 2026 marks a significant milestone for Isulan, the capital of Sultan Kudarat. The project represents more than just a new building—it embodies a vision for a modernized, organized, and welcoming commercial hub that can serve as a center of community life and economic activity.
Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran’s leadership in advancing this project, alongside other infrastructure development initiatives, reflects a commitment to positioning Isulan for growth and cityhood. With formal endorsement from the Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 and the municipality meeting the requirements for conversion, the new Isulan Public Market stands as a tangible symbol of Isulan’s aspirations.
As the final design moves toward completion and pre-construction preparations enter their final stages, residents, vendors, and stakeholders have much to anticipate. The architectural vision—with its tropical modern design, organized shopping environment, and community-focused spaces—offers a glimpse of a future where Isulan’s public market serves not only as a place of commerce but as a destination that reflects the municipality’s identity and potential.
The start of Phase 1 construction in August 2026 will mark the beginning of this transformation. For Isulan, the capital of Sultan Kudarat, the new public market represents a step toward a more prosperous, connected, and vibrant future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the new Isulan Public Market start construction?
Phase 1 construction of the new Isulan Public Market is targeted to begin in August 2026, as announced by Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran.
2. What does the new Isulan Public Market design look like?
The architectural renderings reveal a modern public market with tropical modern design featuring curved roofs, wood-like elements, large arches, open spaces, and landscaping. The vision includes grocery, pharmacy, bakery, clothing stores, computer shops, dining establishments, and community gathering spaces.
3. Who is the mayor of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat?
The current mayor of Isulan is Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran, also known as Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran.
4. Is Isulan pursuing cityhood status?
Yes, Isulan is actively pursuing cityhood status. House Bill 389 has been filed to convert the municipality into a component city, and the Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 has formally endorsed the proposal through RDC XII Resolution No. 182, series of 2025.
5. What is the population of Isulan?
According to the 2024 POPCEN census recorded by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Isulan has a population of 101,455 residents.
6. Will the entire market be completed in Phase 1?
No, the project will be built in phases. Phase 1 construction represents the first stage of a larger phased development. The architectural renderings show the long-term vision for the completed market.
7. What amenities will the new Isulan Public Market have?
The proposed Isulan Public Market will feature grocery, pharmacy, bakery, clothing stores, computer shop, dry goods sections, restaurants/cafés, boutiques, retail shops, parking areas, landscaped outdoor spaces, and community gathering areas.
8. Where is Isulan located?
Isulan is the capital municipality of Sultan Kudarat province in the SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) of the Philippines.
9. How many barangays does Isulan have?
Isulan is politically subdivided into 17 barangays.
10. What is Isulan known as?
Isulan is known as the “Oil Palm Capital of the Philippines”.
11. Who filed the cityhood bill for Isulan?
Sultan Kudarat 1st District Representative Ruth T. Mangudadatu-Sakaluran filed House Bill 389 seeking the cityhood of Isulan.
12. What are the requirements for cityhood in the Philippines?
Under Republic Act 9009, a municipality must meet requirements on income (at least ₱100 million for the last two years), population (at least 150,000) or land area (at least 100 square kilometers).
13. Does Isulan meet the cityhood requirements?
Yes, Isulan satisfies the income and area requirements of RA 9009. The municipality is a first-class municipality with a land area of over 500 square kilometers and earned ₱582 million in 2024.
14. What infrastructure projects are happening in Sultan Kudarat?
Recent infrastructure projects in Sultan Kudarat include the rehabilitated Antong Dam, 17 farm-to-market road projects valued at nearly ₱2.4 billion, and various municipal-level initiatives including the new Isulan Public Market.
15. Who is the governor of Sultan Kudarat?
The governor of Sultan Kudarat is Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu.
16. What is the “Bagong Angat Isulan” program?
“Bagong Angat Isulan: Serbisyo para sa Katawhan” is a barangayan program spearheaded by Mayor Bai Rihan Sakaluran that brings essential government services directly to communities across the municipality.
17. When was Isulan founded?
Isulan was founded on August 30, 1957.
18. What is the income classification of Isulan?
Isulan is a 1st class municipality as confirmed by the PSA and the DTI-CMCI.
19. How can I stay updated on the Isulan Public Market project?
Residents can follow the official social media channels of Mayor Bai Rihan Sakaluran, monitor the official LGU Isulan Facebook page for municipal announcements, and check SultanKudarat.com for ongoing coverage of Isulan’s development.
20. Where can I find official announcements from the LGU Isulan?
Official announcements from the Local Government Unit of Isulan can be found on their official Facebook page and through authorized government agencies such as the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Disclaimer
This article is based on the public announcement made by Mayor Bai Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran via her official social media channels. The information presented, including the architectural renderings, design concepts, and construction timeline, reflects the proposed vision for the Isulan Public Market project as of the date of publication. All infrastructure projects are subject to final government approvals, budget allocations, procurement processes, and other regulatory requirements. Timelines, design elements, and project scope may change without prior notice. SultanKudarat.com strives to provide accurate and timely information but does not guarantee the completeness or absolute accuracy of the details contained herein. Readers are encouraged to verify official announcements from the Local Government Unit of Isulan through its official Facebook page and other authorized government agencies for the most current updates.