Bankerohan Public Market history, located in Davao City, Philippines, is one of the region’s most prominent and busiest public markets. It is a central hub for commerce, playing a vital role in the daily lives of the city’s residents. Over the years, it has developed into a major economic zone where goods ranging from fresh produce to household items are traded.

Bankerohan Public Market Map

Bankerohan Public Market History

Founding and Early Beginnings (1940s-1950s)

The origins of Bankerohan Market date back to the late 1940s, following World War II. Davao City, still recovering from the damages of war, needed to restore its economy and livelihood. Bankerohan was strategically established near the banks of the Davao River, which was once a vital transportation route. The market was initially a small gathering place for local farmers, fishermen, and small traders who came to sell their goods, particularly fruits and vegetables.

• 1948: Bankerohan Market was established as a temporary trading post near the Davao River.
• 1950: Officially recognized as a public market by the Davao City government.

The proximity to the river gave the market its name, “Bankerohan,” derived from “bangkero,” the term for boatmen who ferried goods and people across the Davao River. These boatmen played a crucial role in the market’s early economy, transporting produce from rural areas to the city.

Expansion and Growth (1960s-1980s)

By the 1960s, Bankerohan Market saw significant growth as Davao City’s population increased. The influx of people to the city due to migration and economic opportunities led to an increased demand for food and other basic commodities. As a result, the local government allocated more space to accommodate a growing number of vendors.

• 1965: The market was expanded to cover an additional 2 hectares of land to accommodate more vendors.
• 1970s: Davao City’s population had grown to over 300,000, and Bankerohan Public Market began selling a wider variety of goods, including meat, fish, dry goods, and local crafts.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the market became the primary location for trading fresh produce, especially bananas, mangoes, durians, and other tropical fruits from the fertile regions of Mindanao. The market also became known for its affordable prices and high volume of transactions.

• 1985: The total number of registered vendors at Bankerohan reached over 1,000, including permanent stalls and mobile vendors.
• 1987: The market’s annual sales were estimated to be in the range of ₱100 million.

Modernization and Infrastructure Upgrades (1990s-2010s)

As Davao City continued to modernize, Bankerohan Market underwent several phases of redevelopment. Due to increased traffic and congestion, the local government undertook efforts to rehabilitate and expand the market’s facilities. These included the construction of covered stalls, the improvement of sanitation and waste management, and the addition of loading bays for public transportation.

• 1995: A major renovation project was initiated to modernize the market, adding concrete stalls and roofing to protect vendors from the elements.
• 2000: Bankerohan Market expanded its area to a total of 5 hectares.

During this time, Bankerohan Market was also becoming a tourist attraction for its wide variety of fruits, especially during the Kadayawan Festival, when it became a hub for durian and other exotic fruits.

• 2005: The total daily foot traffic in Bankerohan Market reached an average of 15,000 customers.

With the development of malls and supermarkets in Davao City, Bankerohan remained competitive by maintaining its reputation for fresh produce at competitive prices. Local farmers continued to rely on the market to distribute their products directly to consumers, keeping prices lower than commercial grocery chains.

Challenges and Revitalization (2020s-Present)

In recent years, Bankerohan Market has faced challenges, including modernization efforts by private enterprises and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, safety protocols were introduced, including limiting the number of customers inside the market and enforcing social distancing measures.

• 2020: Foot traffic decreased by 30% due to the pandemic, but the market quickly adapted by allowing vendors to sell through online platforms and delivery services.
• 2021: Post-pandemic recovery efforts led to a resurgence of customer traffic, reaching pre-pandemic levels by late 2021.

Despite these challenges, Bankerohan remains one of the most important public markets in Davao City. It is still known for its variety of goods, including local produce, meats, seafood, and dry goods, and continues to be a vital economic driver for the city.

• 2023: The market now houses over 2,000 vendors and serves an estimated 20,000 customers daily.

Statistics of Bankerohan Public Market Foot Traffic

• Founding Year: 1948
• Current Area: 5 hectares
• Number of Vendors (2023): 2,000+
• Daily Foot Traffic (2023): 20,000 customers
• Annual Sales (1987): ₱100 million
• Estimated Reduction in Foot Traffic during Pandemic (2020): 30%

Conclusion

Today, Bankerohan Public Market continues to thrive as a vital center for commerce in Davao City. Its historical significance, coupled with its adaptability to modern challenges, ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of the local economy for years to come.