Treñas-Mabilog city hall meeting a positive sign

By Alex P. Vidal

“We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.” – Gwendolyn Brooks

ALTHOUGH many politically mature Ilonggos are leery of the upcoming meeting between Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jed Patrick Mabilog, it may be viewed largely as a positive sign in as far us active collaboration between to public officials is concerned.

Many embittered supporters of the two Ilonggo leaders may feel a little bit uncomfortable since they both belong in the metropolis’ fractured political alliance, but the meeting may also be considered as a step closer to the much-desired reconnection or reunification if the words still exist in their vocabularies.

Things did not work out politically when Mabilog came back on September 10, 2024 from a self-imposed exile after spending seven years in the United States.

The political format and alliances changed dramatically when Mabilog’s ally, Iloilo City Rep. Julienne Baronda, severed ties with Mayor Raisa’s father, former Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas, who used to be Mabilog’s benefactor.

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Whatever antagonism that ensued thereafter when lines were immensely drawn might still be fixed, in one way or the other, when Usec Jed and Mayor Raisa hookup and discuss programs, cooperation and solidarity for the good of the Ilonggos.

The upcoming city hall get-together, of course, has nothing to do with rumored plans of Councilor Miguel “Megs” Treñas to run for congressman in 2028.

Ditto with Mabilog’s rumored candidacy for city mayor in 2028.

“Has nothing to do” means any political event in the near future may not be part of agenda while the DILG official and city mayor are in the honeymoon stage of integration and reconnection.

Councilor Megs is the city mayor’s brother and son of former Mayor Jerry.

Mabilog, who once earned the ire of former President Rodrigo Duterte during the past administration’s brutal war against illegal drugs, has not yet publicly announced he’s interested to reclaim city hall.

He first assumed office as Iloilo City mayor on June 30, 2010 after being elected to the position in the May 2010 national and local elections.

Mabilog, 60, served for three terms until October 30, 2017.

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Summer’s forecasted “volatile mix” of historic heat has officially arrived early. NYC is shattering a 30-year record this week with a punishing heat wave pushing triple-digit RealFeel temperatures, though we’re still technically in spring.

Brianna Perry of Secret New York City reported that the extreme weather has triggered Air Quality Advisories (in effect through 11 pm May 19) and an official Code Red Alert. Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory from 11 am Tuesday, May 19, through 8 pm Wednesday, May 20.

We have been advised in New York to call 311 immediately to dispatch an outreach team if we see anyone on the street who appears to be in distress due to the heat.

This came after the New York City (NYC) Department of Homeless Services (DHS) officially declared a Code Red during periods of extreme, dangerous heat and humidity.

Specifically, a Code Red is triggered when: The heat index hits 95°F or higher for two or more consecutive days and the heat index hits 100°F or higher for one or more days.

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During a Code Red, shelter options are expanded and enhanced outreach is deployed to protect the city’s most vulnerable unsheltered populations.

High heat is a silent killer. It’s crucial to monitor ourselves, our friends, and our neighbors for warning signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke such as: Hot dry skin (or excessive sweating), trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, or dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

While the heat affects everyone, those at the highest risk include adults aged 60 and older, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, or cognitive impairment).

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)