Mayor cites ‘Rise to Action’ gains in first 100 days

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

From health services to job creation and education reform, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu’s first 100 days focused on her “Rise to Action” agenda — a blueprint she said turns Ilonggos’ hopes into reality through concrete programs.

Treñas-Chu, in her first State of the City Address on Wednesday, Oct. 8, said her administration’s priorities are anchored on three core pillars: Rising Health and Social Services, Rising Economy, and Rising Livability.

Each pillar, she stressed, is designed to make government more responsive, compassionate, and accessible.

Within her first 100 days, the city mayor launched 42 programs and initiatives under this governance framework.

“We launched programs that bring the government closer to the people,” she said in a speech that lasted 53 minutes.

Treñas-Chu, the first elected woman mayor of the city, said that when she assumed office, her focus was clear: to provide access to quality education and social services, ensure comprehensive health and wellness, and create employment opportunities.

She added that her administration also aims to promote immersive tourism and culture, build safe and orderly communities, and strengthen nature-based resilience and sustainability.

Health and social services

Under the Rising Health and Social Services pillar, the city government strengthened its commitment to health, welfare, and inclusive education through several key programs.

The E-Health Tawag project enabled remote medical consultations, eliminating travel barriers for patients and making healthcare accessible to bedridden individuals and those in remote areas.

RISEMed and the Uswag Pharmacy provided free Department of Health-approved medicines in nine district health centers and at City Hall, reducing healthcare costs for low-income families.

The Uswag Physical Rehabilitation Center, also known as RISEstart, accommodated 95 patients for free physical therapy.

Mental health services were expanded through the RAISE and HEALom programs, which offer care via PhilHealth packages and help normalize mental health support in city services.

Meanwhile, the Uswag Nutrition Center, through the RAIS-Sustansya Mix program, produced 1,282 sachets daily for 534 malnourished children to address malnutrition and stunted growth.

The La Paz Maternity Clinic was upgraded into a Primary Health Care Center with added prenatal, cancer screening, and dental services to promote comprehensive maternal and women’s health.

To support families, the city established the SOLOKonek Program, a dedicated desk for solo parents providing assistance and counseling.

The Uswag Atipan Center, a one-stop social services hub, served more than 3,000 residents with free medical, financial, and burial assistance, streamlining access and reducing bureaucratic delays.

Education and literacy

For education, Treñas-Chu launched the RAISkolar Mentorship Program, connecting alumni with current scholars to foster a culture of leadership and mentorship.

The RISEABLE Program provided free early intervention for children with special needs, promoting inclusive education and child development.

Early childhood programs such as EDU Liit and LUSOG Liit focused on developing social and cognitive skills among pre-nursery learners, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

The city government is also developing the Uswag Sports Center at the old YMCA site to promote youth empowerment, sports tourism, and civic pride.

Livelihood and housing

On the economic front, Treñas-Chu’s administration prioritized livelihood and job-generation programs through the Public Employment Service Office.

The office recorded 128,000 job solicitations, 30,000 referrals, and 28,000 placements, posting a 92.6% employment rate — one of the highest in the country.

To bring job opportunities closer to communities, the city established Uswag Recruitment Centers and PESO tRAIbaho, which conduct daily recruitment activities with on-the-spot hiring.

Small entrepreneurs benefited from TLC Livelihood Carts, or “Tindahan ni Inday,” which provided livelihood packages to over 85 beneficiaries.

The RISE MERKADO Program supported market modernization to empower vendors and improve sanitation while promoting inclusivity and consumer welfare.

Meanwhile, the SIGE Asenso and RISE Ilonggo Skills Training programs trained 1,300 vendors and 162 residents in high-demand trades to boost employability.

For housing, the PASIlong: Pabahay sa Pamilyang Ilonggo program has more than 2,000 units in the pipeline, with an additional 30,000 square meters of land acquired for future development.

The city mayor assured the public that every taxpayer’s money will go directly to public services, emphasizing fiscal transparency amid the extension of a 40% discount on the increased real property tax.

“I assure you that every tax collected by the city will return to our people through better services, projects, and programs that benefit every Ilonggo,” she said.

A major starting point

Treñas-Chu described her first 100 days as a starting point for a governance model rooted in compassion and action, saying, “Malayo pa, pero malayo na” (We still have a long way to go, but we have already come far).

She credited the city’s achievements to those who came before her, particularly her father, former Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, and Ilonggo former Senate President Franklin Drilon.

“We build from the past, we act in the present, and we rise for the future,” she said, recalling her father, who told her he was leaving behind a city “ready for greater dreams and achievements.”

Treñas-Chu said her “Rise to Action” framework was inspired by the people’s everyday struggles.

“Public service is both a privilege and a responsibility,” she said.

The city mayor recounted how a mother approached her during the campaign to ask only for jobs so her children could eat daily.

“That voice never left me,” the visibly emotional city mayor said.

“The campaign was never about winning, it was about listening.

It was never about politics, but it has always been about the people,” she added.