‘RISE WITH RAISA’: Raisa Treñas Vows to Transform Iloilo Into Growth Hub

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Incoming Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu on Friday, June 27, unveiled her vision to position the city as a premier economic hub in the Philippines.

“My vision for Iloilo City is to become a development hub for various sectors,” she said during her oath-taking at City Hall.

She added that the city is now providing more jobs and livelihood opportunities comparable to other key cities, gaining investor trust across industries.

Raisa, who garnered a record-breaking 170,162 votes, expressed her readiness to lead and continue the legacy of her father, outgoing Mayor Jerry Treñas.

She described her victory as the city’s first woman mayor as both a “humbling” and “historic” moment.

“The title may be historically flattering, but we cannot deny the fact that it comes with great responsibility,” she said.

She pledged a leadership style centered on listening, innovation, and collaboration.

“I am here now—standing firm and ready: ready to Rise to the Challenge, ready to Rise to Action, and ready to Rise to Success with every Ilonggo!”

Raisa paid tribute to her father’s four decades of public service, recalling how she began assisting with his congressional work years ago.

She described him as “The Father of Iloilo City’s progress,” and said he helped bring the city to where it is today.

She shared that while her father once served as the city’s lone district representative, he had always dreamed of witnessing her oath-taking.

She vowed to sustain his programs while introducing her own innovations, especially in health, education, and social protection.

Key infrastructure projects under her administration include the Iloilo City Hospital, Iloilo City Sports Center, redevelopment of city plazas and markets, and the Uswag Molecular Laboratory.

“These programs already have a framework. They’re ready for implementation and strengthening—especially for the benefit of our youth,” she said.

Raisa stressed that Iloilo City’s progress must be a collective effort, not the work of the mayor alone.

Also on Friday, all 11 Team Uswag candidates who won seats in the incoming 12th Iloilo City Council took their oath before barangay captains and City Hall department heads.

Eight are reelectionists: Sedfrey Cabaluna, Miguel Treñas, Rex Marcus Sarabia, Alan Zaldivar, Johnny Young, Romel Duron, Rudolph Ganzon, and Frances Grace Parcon.

They are joined by returning councilors Lyndon Acap and Mandrie Malabor, and first-time councilor Nene Dela Llana.

The oath-taking was officiated by Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Rose Edith Togonon.