Treñas-Chu slams ‘fault-finding’ by critics

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Constructive criticism — not deliberate fault-finding — will help the Iloilo City move forward and build on recent gains, according to Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu as she called for continued unity and shared responsibility among Ilonggos.

The mayor emphasized that the city’s gains, achievements, and expanding programs since she assumed office were made possible through the cooperation and collective efforts of Ilonggos.

She said the city government remains open to constructive criticism, noting that feedback aimed at improving services and governance contributes to development.

“Growth becomes difficult if we only focus on finding faults. After all, we only have one city. If we want to look for lapses, it is easy to find them,” Treñas-Chu said.

“But if we want to help our city grow, why not offer constructive criticism? After all, we only have one Iloilo City. We are very open,” she added.

She said she constantly reminds department heads and city employees to innovate, improve, and develop more programs to sustain the city’s growth momentum.

“What will happen to our city if we do not help one another?” the mayor said, acknowledging that while many improvements have been implemented, there is still much work to do.

Treñas-Chu also highlighted that Iloilo City is increasingly being recognized for growth and development, although it has yet to fully reach the level of the country’s major capital cities.

“We are already at the tipping point of Iloilo City. Tipping point for growth to be one of the capital cities of the Philippines,” she said.

The mayor added that the city has several programs in the pipeline but stressed the need for public support and cooperation.

In her first six months in office, Treñas-Chu said her administration has launched 42 people-centered programs.