Treñas-Chu: Criticism keeps me working for Ilonggos

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu described criticisms of her administration as “vitamins” that motivate her to work harder until residents feel the impact of the city government’s services.

In her second State of the City Address (SOCA) on Oct. 26, Treñas-Chu said her commitment to serve Ilonggos was rooted in a promise she made to God when she assumed office.

“One of my vitamins, the reason why I continue and which strengthens me, is the criticism people give us. Why? Until the people of Iloilo City feel the care and attention I provide, I will continue working harder so they can truly feel our care,” she said.

Treñas-Chu likened the criticisms to Red Bull, an energy drink, saying they further motivate her to work.

“I am even more thankful [of the criticisms], and I will work even harder until everyone feels it,” she said.

Treñas-Chu was elected mayor in May 2025, succeeding her father, Jerry Treñas, who served three consecutive terms as mayor.

The SOCA is the mayor’s annual report to residents on the city government’s programs, accomplishments, and priorities.

Asked what sets Iloilo City apart from other local governments, given the awards it has received, Treñas-Chu attributed the city’s performance to her hands-on involvement in the programs and activities of its various departments.

“I really take it to heart my service for Iloilo City. I make sure that my service to the people is genuine and sincere so that residents can feel it,” she said.

She added that she wanted residents to see and experience the government’s presence through the programs and services it implements.

Health and social services

Among the programs highlighted in her second SOCA were initiatives in health care, social protection, education, housing, and livelihood.

Treñas-Chu said nine district health centers had transitioned into primary health care facilities, while three others were undergoing upgrades.

Under the Health Assistance sa Pumuluyo, Laboratory kag Ospital program, the city partnered with 10 hospitals and assisted 1,149 beneficiaries, releasing PHP 21.6 million in medical assistance.

The MEDISEN+ program registered more than 8,000 senior citizens and persons with disabilities with hypertension and diabetes for free maintenance medicines, with PHP 20 million allocated for the initiative.

The Atipan-on-the-Move program served nearly 4,000 residents, while the HEALOM initiative provided 1,267 mental health consultations.

The I-HULAG program served 1,670 patients, 14 of whom had completed their prescribed rehabilitation, according to the city government.

For housing, the PASILONG program brought more than 2,000 families closer to accessing housing through four projects.

The city also reported that 530 solo parents had obtained their National Solo Parent Identification Cards through the SoloKonek program.

Education, youth, and employment

In education, the Edu-GO: Edu-Liit early childhood development program benefited more than 5,000 children, while the I-SKUL free school supplies initiative reached more than 75,000 students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

The RISEAble program, which supports children with special needs, served 28 beneficiaries in its first batch and 60 in its second.

The city also reported an increase in the number of special education teachers.

Under the G na YOUTH: G BAG SA PUBLIC SERVICE program, 32 youth organizations benefited, while 400 young people from relocation sites received one-time educational assistance worth PHP 5,000 each.

The city government also cited employment and livelihood initiatives under the KAYA program, which allocated PHP 60 million for the Kabulig Pangkabuhayan Emergency Employment Program and served more than 15,000 Ilonggo beneficiaries.

The Public Employment Service Office helped nearly 40,000 residents find employment, with a reported placement rate of 97.21%.

Investments and business development

Treñas-Chu also highlighted the city’s economic performance, reporting PHP 7 billion in investments in 2025 and PHP 5.61 billion as of July 2026.

Business permit renewals increased by 6.53% to 17,770 as of July 2026, while the city’s employment rate stood at 95.8%.

The SIGE Asenso program trained 1,639 individuals, including 656 graduates of the Negosyo Development Academy.

The first Iloilo City Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit recorded 13,051 transactions and clients and facilitated PHP 4.65 million in loan applications.

Other livelihood initiatives included training for 90 women under the Women’s Initiative for Skills and Entrepreneurship program, the mobilization of PHP 2.73 million in livelihood assistance, and the allocation of PHP 750,000 for a weaving production center.

The city government also reported that nearly 500 nano enterprises had registered with the local government.