Raisa Names Dad as Adviser, Reboots Iloilo City Hall

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu has designated her father, former mayor Jerry Treñas, as a special adviser to the city government and signed three executive orders (EO) reconstituting task forces as she officially assumes the highest seat in the City Hall.

The appointment of her father was the fourth EO signed by Raisa on her first day in office.

“The experience, knowledge, and expertise of former Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is invaluable in helping the city government address the concerns of its citizens and ensure that the general welfare of the city is provided for,” the EO reads.

As special adviser, the former mayor will advise the sitting mayor on political concerns and the management and governance of the city.

The EO noted that the former mayor’s designation is without compensation, consistent with his earlier pronouncement that he would serve the city on a non-salaried basis by designation, not appointment.

The former mayor did not seek reelection in the 2025 midterm elections, citing health concerns.

Among Raisa’s first EOs was the reconstitution of the Iloilo City Drainage Task Force, prompted by the fragmented implementation of drainage projects across the city.

“The concern on why we are making an EO is that not all drainage projects are being implemented by Iloilo City,” she explained.

Raisa said the task force will consolidate efforts of various agencies and ensure proper interconnection of projects.

“The problem is not the drainage, it’s the connection,” she said.

She also formed a technical working group within the task force to enhance planning and implementation.

Raisa reconstituted the Task Force Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures and the Task Force on Moral Values and Formation.

She emphasized the importance of these efforts, especially as Iloilo City remains a top tourism destination vulnerable to illegal activity.

The mayor also announced an open-door policy to promote accessibility and responsiveness in her administration.

“My priority is our residents, so whatever concerns we will do our best to address them and we will make sure that they will be a priority,” she said.

She said citizens can approach her office without setting appointments.

Baronda Takes Helm in New Office

Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace “Love-Love” Baronda officially assumed her post at the newly inaugurated legislative building, becoming Iloilo City’s first female vice mayor.

She defeated outgoing Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, who was seeking his final term.

“We assure that with the mandate you gave me, this rare opportunity to be the first woman vice mayor of the city, we will surely focus on delivering good governance,” she said.

Baronda pledged to be “a vice mayor that will listen, that will care and that will serve rather than to be served.”

She said her assumption marked her first time inside the vice mayor’s office, noting the absence of a formal transition from her predecessor.

Despite her minority standing in the City Council, Baronda said she and Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, both under Team Sulong Gugma, are confident in advancing their legislative agenda.

“I believe the City Council is an independent body. If this is for the betterment of the city and the residents, I will talk with the councilors. I know some of them; we have been together with the City Council before,” she said.

She said she will meet with the councilors Tuesday, July 1, to discuss committee chairmanships and legislative priorities.

Reconciliation Hanging

Baronda and Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu both confirmed that reconciliation has yet to happen between their camps following the tense midterm election rivalry.

“We are just here. We are just waiting in case that happens,” Baronda said, expressing openness to meeting the mayor if invited.

She said her team sent a formal letter to the Treñas family but has not received a reply.

“We wrote a letter to them. They said they reached out to us, and they claimed we are not replying. But then again, how could I reply if no one reached out, messaged, called, or intervened,” she said.

“I myself wrote a letter to clear things out and have not replied since. I believe that is already enough, whatever they want or whatever strategy they have,” she added.

Raisa said she is open to meeting Baronda but cited her post-election schedule as the reason for the delay.

“At the end of the day, we only want one thing for the city and that is to continue its progress,” she said, stressing she does not want politics to hinder development.

She added she is reviewing her schedule to find time for a meeting, as collaboration between their offices is crucial for governance.