ALIGNED FOR PROGRESS: Iloilo leaders back Marcos’ SONA focus on key reforms

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Top officials of Iloilo City expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), highlighting programs that align with the city’s priorities in education, health, flood control, and urban development.

Mayor Raisa Treñas said her administration is ready to work closely with the national government to build a more resilient, inclusive, and progressive city for Ilonggos.

She welcomed the Marcos administration’s emphasis on youth mental health and the hiring of more school counselors.

She noted that the issue is already being addressed locally through the city’s education reform agenda and recent efforts to strengthen mental health advocacy in schools.

“The establishment of Early Childhood and Development Centers and Bulilit Centers is a strong statement that children should be nurtured at an early age,” Treñas said.

In Iloilo City, there are 202 operational Child Development Centers, with two more under construction.

The mayor also cited the continuation of school-based feeding programs, which complement the city’s Nutrition Center initiative in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and the Florete Group Foundation.

She said the city is also aligned with the national government’s plan to provide free dialysis services, noting that dialysis centers in Molo and Jaro already offer treatments at no cost.

On urban reforms, Treñas expressed support for the president’s push for car-free Sundays, which aligns with the city’s plan to convert Calle Real into a pedestrian-only zone and night market hub once the main public markets reopen.

She also praised Marcos’ directive for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local governments to audit and publish flood mitigation project lists.

“Transparency and accountability are of paramount importance,” she said.

“In Iloilo City, it would be better if we have clear coordination to avoid duplication and ensure the effectiveness of projects.”

Lone District Rep. Julienne “Jam” Baronda also lauded the president’s order for DPWH to submit documents related to flood control projects from the past three years.

“His reiteration of the proscription against graft and corruption involving infrastructure projects is a great move,” Baronda said.

“You know that if you have nothing to hide and do not engage in graft, you would welcome this type of anti-corruption measure.”

She called accountability in infrastructure “a welcome development.”

Baronda also backed plans to build more evacuation centers, citing their urgency in disaster-prone areas.

She welcomed the focus on job creation and broader access to technical-vocational education, which she said would benefit many Ilonggos.

She added that the president’s emphasis on education reform, healthy lifestyles, and the expansion of PhilHealth coverage are steps in the right direction.

“(Marcos) discussed other matters that have positive impacts, and I hope his administration builds on what has been accomplished in the next three years,” Baronda said.