Treñas appoints first spox in 38-year political career

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

For the first time in his 38-year political career, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has appointed a spokesperson to manage some of his official communications.

Treñas formally introduced Joy Fantilaga as his spokesperson on Monday, September 16.

The mayor said Fantilaga will handle communication regarding the city’s developments and projects.

“She will focus more on the city’s development because Iloilo is now on the map,” Treñas said, adding that her involvement in political matters will be limited to what he personally briefs her on.

Fantilaga noted the city’s rapid progress and emphasized that the mayor’s busy schedule makes it difficult to address all media inquiries.

“I think this is the best time for him to appoint a spokesperson to accommodate all your queries and provide factual information on the city’s programs,” she said.

Before her appointment, Fantilaga served as the strategic communications officer for MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), Iloilo City’s electric distribution utility, from March 2019 to September 2024.

Her nearly five years at MORE Power followed a successful media career. She worked as a beat reporter and anchorwoman for Bombo Radyo Iloilo from December 2016 to February 2019, and held similar roles at Bombo Radyo Roxas from July 2015 to December 2016.

Fantilaga also served as a news writer and newscaster for Aksyon Radyo Iloilo from March 2013 to February 2015.