Ganzon, 4 City Councilors Bid Adieu

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

In an emotional final session on Wednesday, June 25, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and four councilors of the 11th Iloilo City Council formally bid farewell as they prepare to step down next week.

Ganzon, who failed to secure a final term in the 2025 elections, reflected on nearly two decades of public service and highlighted key achievements under the Treñas-Ganzon administration.

“Together, we have built a legacy of inclusive growth, sustainability and good governance,” he said, calling the administration “one of the most transformative periods in Iloilo City’s history.”

He cited improved economic indicators, such as a drop in poverty incidence from 8.4% in 2021 to 6.8% in 2023, and a decline in unemployment from 15.9% to 11.9%.

Ganzon also noted Iloilo City was named the Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City in Western Visayas, topping categories in infrastructure, government efficiency and economic dynamism.

“These are not just awards but proof that progress can be felt and seen by ordinary Ilonggos in their daily lives,” he added.

He took pride in championing projects such as the rehabilitation of public plazas in Libertad, Jaro, La Paz and Molo, as well as market renovations and the construction of the new legislative building.

“This may be my final session as vice mayor, but my service to Iloilo will never end,” he said.

“Public service is not about titles, it is about the heart.”

Also stepping down after completing three consecutive terms are Councilors Urminico Baronda Jr., Candice Magdalane Tupas and Ely Estante Jr.

Baronda said his decisions were always guided by his commitment to the welfare of Iloilo City residents.

“We shared the four walls of this chamber not only in moments of triumph but also during our most challenging days,” he said.

“You made my time in this council truly worthwhile.”

He added that while his term ends, his service to the people continues.

Tupas, a physician, recalled her early challenges due to inexperience when she first joined the council.

“Looking back, I was very young and less experienced than most of my colleagues,” she said.

“But I challenged myself and embraced the rare privilege of a presidential appointment to work for the Ilonggos and the nation.”

She focused her legislative agenda on public health and sanitation, stressing preventive care and education.

Tupas urged her peers to revisit key ordinances she proposed on HIV/AIDS, medical tourism and a comprehensive city government website.

Estante, who noted he had never lost an election, viewed the occasion not as an end but a new beginning.

“We will see each other here. I don’t know what my position will be,” he said, hinting at a possible appointment under mayor-elect Raisa Treñas-Chu.

Councilor Sumakwel Nava Jr. credited his brief term in office to Divine Providence.