ILOILO City – Raisa Treñas-Chu, affectionately known as Inday Raisa, has made history as the first elected female mayor of Iloilo City. Her resounding victory marks a defining moment for local politics, as voters overwhelmingly embraced her vision for a more inclusive and progressive leadership.
Leading Team Uswag, Inday Raisa garnered an impressive 170,162 votes, securing 69.37% of the total ballots cast, based on the final and official tally from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Inday Raisa will succeed her father, Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Alongside her, 11 winning councilors under Team Uswag were officially proclaimed by the Comelec’s Board of Canvassers yesterday afternoon, with the presence of Mayor Treñas.
Inday Raisa’s overwhelming win stands as a powerful mandate from the people, reflecting their call for continued progress. With strong determination, she is set to embark on a transformative journey to build a more inclusive and forward-thinking Iloilo City.
“Ini nga kadalag-an indi lang para sa amon kundi para ini sa aton tanan nga nagapangabuhi sang may paglaum para sa mas maayo nga Iloilo City tungod may mas mahimo pa gid kita. Padayon kita nga magbinuligay, mag-uswag, kag magserbisyo sang matuod-tuod sa aton pinalangga nga syudad,” Inday Raisa said in a statement.
Grateful for the support of the Ilonggos, she expressed heartfelt appreciation for those who stood by Team Uswag throughout the campaign — from the filing of candidacies to election day.
“Ang inyo suporta, kusog kag oras sa amon amo ang naghatag sang inspirasyon kag kabakod sa bug-os namon nga grupo. Sa tagsa ka volunteers, leaders, abyan, kag sa kada Pamilyang Ilonggo nga nagtindog kaupod namon, madamo guid nga salamat! Madamo nga salamat!” Inday Raisa expressed.
Historic Election as First Elected Lady Mayor
Inday Raisa’s historic election as Iloilo City’s first female mayor cements her place in history, alongside the late Rosa Olondriz Caram, who was the first woman to hold the position — though in an appointed capacity.
Caram was appointed OIC-mayor by President Corazon Aquino in April 1986 after the EDSA People Power Revolution. She served until November 1987, steering Iloilo City through a crucial transition. Her legacy in advancing women’s leadership remains significant even after her passing on May 11, 2019.
As she takes pride as first elected lady of now progressive Iloilo City, Inday Raisa views it as a big responsibility and promises to lead with care and inclusivity. She said she will serve as a mother to the city and its people.
Her top priorities will be more livelihood opportunities to boost local jobs, improved healthcare facilities and services, and stronger education programs for Ilonggo students.
“We will continue all ongoing programs and projects initiated by Mayor Jerry Treñas. At the same time, we will prioritize initiatives that directly uplift every Ilonggo family, making sure progress is felt by all,” said Inday Raisa.
While Inday Raisa acknowledges her father’s guidance especially in the city’s ongoing programs and projects, she emphasized that her leadership will be her own. Having grown up with responsibilities on her shoulders, she assured the people that she is ready to stand on her own as mayor, leading with dedication, and vision.
She also affirmed her commitment to working closely with newly-elected Vice Mayor Love-Love Baronda.
“Tapos na ang election. Let’s get to work. Kay isa lang man ang aton syudad. Obrahon naton tanan para sa padayunon ni naton ang kauswagan sang aton syudad,” she said.
Leadership and Legacy
As the driving force behind Team Uswag, Mayor Treñas congratulated his daughter and the entire Team Uswag for their resounding victory.
The 11 elected Team Uswag councilors include Miguel Treñas, Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna, Alan Zaldivar, Atty. Romel Duron, Nene Dela Llana, Atty. Rex Marcus Sarabia, Lyndon Acap, Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, Mandrie Malabor, Atty. Frances Grace Parcon-Torres, and Johnny Young.
The mayor expressed confidence that Inday Raisa’s leadership would bring fresh energy and continuity to the Ilonggos’ shared dream of a stronger, more progressive Iloilo City.
“This triumph is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of Iloilo City have placed in your vision, passion, and commitment to serve. As a father, I am filled with pride. As a fellow public servant, I am confident that our city is in good hands,” he said.
A Graceful Transition
Outgoing Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon wholeheartedly accepted the election results with grace, expressing his continued love for the Ilonggos.
“Wala man ako nahatagan sang kahigayunan agud padayunon ko ang akon pag-serbisyo pero nagapabilin sa gihapon ang akon pagpalangga sa inyo. Gina-respeto ko gid ang resulta sang eleksyon. Kon amo ni pagbuot sang Ginuo, ginabaton ko gid sang hugot,” he said.
Ganzon expressed gratitude for his eight-year tenure as City Council head, pledging that he and his family will continue to serve the community in their own ways.
“Madamo, madamo, madamo gid nga salamat sa walo ka tuig nga paghatag sa akon sang kahigayunan nga pangunahan ang Konseho. Dal-on ko ang bugal nga nangin daku kita nga kabahin sa mga kauswagan kag kadalag-an sang syudad,” he added.
As Iloilo City moves forward, Vice Mayor Ganzon is hopeful that unity will remain at the heart of its progress.
With its newly elected leaders taking the helm, the city stands poised for an exciting new chapter in governance and development./PN
