‘Iloilo City for everyone’ vision goes global in Singapore

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu presented her “city for everyone” advocacy at the 10th World Cities Summit in Singapore, showcasing the city’s developmental gains and resilience on the global stage.

Treñas-Chu, the first woman to serve as Iloilo City mayor, stressed the importance of weaving sustainable development, digital innovation, and community-centered programs into a more inclusive, resilient, and livable urban community.

Iloilo City took part in the summit’s Mayors Forum, including the “Re-thinking Urban Energy Transition” plenary, a high-level platform where mayors and city leaders from around the world discussed pressing urban challenges and shared policies and best practices for building more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready cities.

At the Opening Plenary, “From Aspiration to Acceleration: Implementing National Policies in Urban Contexts,” Treñas-Chu joined global leaders in discussing how cities can respond to shared challenges such as climate change, urban inequality, infrastructure gaps, and shifting demographics, and how they can work together to become more livable, inclusive, and sustainable through faster and more effective local action.

For Treñas-Chu, the summit was a “meaningful reminder that beyond policies and plans, what truly matters is how we turn these into real improvements in the daily lives of our communities, and I carry this perspective with me for Iloilo City and the Ilonggos we serve.”

The plenary also gathered key global leaders, including Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Singapore National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, and Google Vice President for Knowledge and Information Products, Government Affairs and Public Policy Cris Turner, who shared insights on building more future-ready cities.

Treñas-Chu was also a panelist in the National Heritage Board session “Championing Heritage for Loveable Cities.”

In a 10-minute presentation, she discussed how preserving and embracing heritage can create tangible benefits by strengthening community identity, supporting local economies, and building a more sustainable and people-centered city where residents feel connected to the places they call home.

“For me, every opportunity to share Iloilo City’s story on the global stage is also an opportunity to bring home new ideas that can make a real difference in the lives of our people,” she added.

Treñas-Chu also gained global media exposure through an exclusive interview with Channel NewsAsia, in which she highlighted Iloilo City’s disaster preparedness, the modernization of its five major public markets, and inclusive socialized housing initiatives.

“We don’t dream to be a mega city. We dream to be a better city that is people-centered and a city for everyone,” Treñas-Chu told CNA.

She reiterated that Iloilo City’s vision is anchored on improving the daily lives of residents through practical and sustainable programs that place people at the heart of development.

The mayor also went on a learning visit to areas where heritage serves as a key pillar of urban development strategies.

She said the approach could drive Iloilo City’s tourism, investment, and global recognition.

Citing the positive effect of the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, Treñas-Chu said the city is factoring it into its development direction.

The biennial World Cities Summit, organized by Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities and the Urban Redevelopment Authority, ran from June 14 to 16, 2026, under the theme “Liveable and Sustainable Cities: ACT Now!”

The 2024 edition drew more than 3,500 delegates from close to 100 cities, including 115 ministers, mayors, and governors.

Iloilo City earned the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation on Oct. 31, 2023, a recognition the city government has cited as proof that international acclaim can translate into tangible local development.