ILONGGOS AT THE CENTER: Treñas-Chu vows people-centered progress in second SOCA

ILOILO CITY — Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu vowed to put Ilonggos at the center of Iloilo City’s continued development, saying government performance should be measured by the benefits residents actually experience.

In her second State of the City Address (SOCA), Treñas-Chu said her administration was pursuing progress that residents could directly feel through accessible government services, assistance for vulnerable sectors, and opportunities for families and businesses.

“Not only do we want to live up to the name that our city has earned — the City of Progress. Beyond this, we endeavor and work hard to make sure that this progress is people-centered. A city that is inclusive. A city for everyone,” she said on Monday, Oct. 26.

“The Ilonggos are the center of our progress and our services,” Treñas-Chu emphasized.

Treñas-Chu assumed office on June 30, 2025, succeeding her father, former Mayor Jerry Treñas. She is the first woman elected mayor of the city and delivered her first SOCA in October 2025.

In her first year in office, Treñas-Chu said her administration had expanded its RISE-to-ACTION flagship programs from 42 to 45.

The three initiatives added in 2026 are HAPLOS for hospital and laboratory assistance, MediSen Plus for maintenance medicines for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and G NA YOUTH for youth empowerment and public service.

The original 42 RISE-to-ACTION programs were launched in her first 100 days in office.

The city also expanded its Atipan Center through the Atipan-on-the-Move program, which brings government services directly to barangays.

Treñas-Chu said the initiative had served nearly 4,000 Ilonggos across four barangays in one month, allowing residents to access assistance closer to their communities.

Other programs cited in her address included Pasilong, a housing initiative for families; SoloKonek for solo parents; RiseAble for children with special needs; Tindahan Livelihood and Cart; SIGE Asenso for livelihood and skills development; and EDU-LIIT and LUSOG LIIT for children.

“For me, real progress is about making a real difference in the lives of our people — easing their burdens, giving them opportunities, and making them feel that their government is there for them,” she said.

This year’s SOCA adopted a different format. It featured a panel interview with Treñas-Chu moderated by Regional Development Council-6 co-chairperson Jobert Peñaflorida, followed by a question-and-answer segment with city residents.

Education, sports, and livelihood

Treñas-Chu also outlined plans to expand access to education and improve facilities for young Ilonggos.

The Iloilo City Community College is set to expand through a new campus at Fort San Pedro in City Proper. The campus is expected to accommodate more students and offer additional programs, including information technology and hotel and restaurant management.

The city also plans to upgrade its sports facilities at the YMCA, including the swimming pool, and to continue offering free training in more than 20 sports through the Iloilo City Sports Academy.

Treñas-Chu said the city would also expand its I-SKUL program, which provides free school supplies, and may include shoes if funds allow.

On livelihood, she said the city would continue providing interest-free, collateral-free microcredit loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

She also cited the passage of an ordinance institutionalizing support for entrepreneurs through the Negosyo Development Academy.

A former businesswoman, Treñas-Chu said she understood the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs and wanted to help them expand and create more jobs.

The mayor also announced the signing of the Pasilong Code, which she said would strengthen the city’s commitment to providing housing communities that offer dignity, opportunities, and hope.

Climate preparedness

Citing the threat of an El Niño that could be strong to very strong, Treñas-Chu said the city had identified barangays at high risk of water shortages and had begun deploying static water tanks where they were most needed.

The city also earmarked PHP 25 million for solarization projects at essential facilities, including ICARE centers, evacuation centers, and health facilities. The projects are meant to keep services running during emergencies and power interruptions.

On waste management, the city aims to complete and commission its Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility by the second quarter of 2027 through public-private partnerships.

Treñas-Chu also vowed to continue supporting the redevelopment of Sunset Boulevard into a more vibrant, people-centered public space.

Awards not the end goal

The mayor cited the city’s recent recognitions, including the 2026 Galing Pook Award, its first Resilience Award, and its second ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award.

Iloilo City was also recognized as a Top 4 Child-Friendly City, a role model city for biodiversity, a Green LGU Champion for waste management, and one of the United Nations’ 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also named the city Most Business-Friendly LGU three times in five years, earning it Hall of Fame recognition.

However, Treñas-Chu said awards should not be the ultimate measure of her administration’s performance.

“What is more important still is the welfare of our residents. The awards are nothing if our constituents do not feel its impacts,” she said.

She added that the city government would continue reaching out to communities to ensure residents were heard and their needs addressed.

“Promises are important — but more than anything else, felt results are the receipts,” Treñas-Chu emphasized.

As her administration enters another year, the mayor called for continued public support and cooperation, saying the city’s development could not be achieved by the government alone.

“We work for progress but not merely for progress’ sake. We work for progress that is centered on its people and its communities,” she said.