A CLEAR DIVIDE: Baronda Outpaces Ganzon in Legislation

Love Baronda’s performance and output as a councilor of Iloilo City dwarf that of incumbent Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, despite serving fewer years in the council.

Baronda authored 92 ordinances and 959 resolutions in her 9-year stint, averaging one ordinance per month and 107 resolutions per year.

In contrast, Ganzon, over 18 years, passed only 10 ordinances and 46 resolutions — roughly one ordinance every 22 months and one resolution every five months.

More significantly, Baronda’s ordinances tackle comprehensive policy areas — education, disaster resilience, public health, digital governance, children’s and women’s rights, and urban agriculture.

Many of her measures are institutional and systemic in scope (e.g., Disaster Risk Reduction Office, Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance, City Youth Council, Legislative Monitoring System, and Information Systems Office), indicating both scale and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Ganzon’s six “notable” ordinances largely focus on specific behaviors (e.g., prohibiting “shirtlessness” in markets, banning backpacks at festivals) or symbolic recognition (e.g., Adlaw sang Ciudad de Iloilo).

While some ordinances like contractor liability and the PWD Affairs Office are relevant, few have wide implementation or enduring effect.

Substance vs. Symbolism

Baronda’s legislation shows an orientation toward capacity-building, system development, and social empowerment.

Her work institutionalizes functions that live beyond her term — youth councils, IT offices, development funds, and mental health programs.

Ganzon’s record reflects symbolic victories and niche enforcement measures.

While he takes pride in initiating the Iloilo City Community College (ICCC), this initiative is not enshrined in city legislation, nor was its actual establishment attributed directly to him in official government records.

His opposition to the casino and coal plant reflects principled positions but did not materialize into lasting legal instruments.

Implementation and Public Reach

Implementation is another key measure of legislative success.

Baronda’s ordinances are being enforced, and many have public interfaces — the QR code system during the pandemic, urban farming initiatives, academic incentives, and the GINHAWA Mental Health Program.

Her portfolio includes programmatic follow-through, such as the Mom and Baby Expo, Youth Congress, and Free Civil Service Reviews.

In contrast, most of Ganzon’s ordinances remain unimplemented.

His social contributions — such as sound system donations, feasibility studies, or support for barangays — were personally funded but not integrated into city programs or legislation.

While noble, they lack the continuity of institutional support or scaling mechanisms.

Efficiency and Legacy

Baronda’s legislative efficiency — one ordinance per five sessions and multiple resolutions per session — suggests both competence and strategic use of legislative power.

She authored ordinances that codify governance frameworks, modernize systems, and address vulnerable sectors in the long term.

Ganzon, by contrast, averaged one ordinance every 86 sessions, reflecting either a passive stance in lawmaking or a failure to navigate legislation through political processes.

His few passed laws over two decades yield minimal legislative legacy.

Leadership Styles and Governance Philosophy

Baronda’s governance is technocratic and program-driven, reflecting an alignment with 21st-century public management: data systems, DRR, IT, health, education, and innovation.

Ganzon leans toward moralistic and paternalistic governance, focusing on decorum (anti-shirtless rule), behavioral restrictions (ban on backpacks during festivals), and ad hoc donations.

His projects appear personality-driven and not designed for institutional replication.

A Disparity in Public Service Delivery

Love Baronda, in less time, delivered broader, deeper, and more strategic public service, both legislatively and programmatically.

Her laws reflect an understanding of structural reform and inclusive governance, while Ganzon’s contributions remain largely episodic and symbolic.

In a city aiming for smart governance and sustainable growth, the quality, scale, and enforceability of Baronda’s work stand out as a benchmark. (Advertorial)