ILOILO City – As his term comes to an end, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas steps down with more than a distinguished record of public service. He is leaving behind a legacy defined by pride, progress, and a deep sense of shared responsibility among Ilonggos.
Widely regarded as a transformative leader, Treñas has always maintained that his greatest achievement goes beyond infrastructure and accolades.
“The greatest legacy I can offer is not just the progress we see, but the sense of pride we feel as Ilonggos and the responsibility we share in building our city,” he said.
Under his leadership, Iloilo City underwent sweeping transformation. Among the flagship initiatives of his administration were the revitalization of district public markets, including the Iloilo Central and Terminal Public Markets; the enhancement of district plazas and open spaces; the upgrading of district health centers; and the improvement and construction of roads and drainage systems. New health facilities were also established, such as the Uswag Dialysis Centers, Uswag Physical Rehabilitation Center, Uswag Molecular Laboratory, Uswag Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratories, and district pharmacies. Meanwhile, the construction of the Iloilo City Uswag Hospital is currently underway.
The city also built Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARE) Centers, Uswag Nutrition Center, a new Legislative Building, and improved or constructed numerous school buildings and educational facilities.
“Iloilo City today is a place we can all be truly proud of,” the mayor expressed in an appreciation letter to City Hall officials and employees, the private sector, and other partners. “Through the years, we have seen meaningful initiatives that made us one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines.”
A LEGACY OF COLLABORATION AND COURAGE
Mayor Treñas attributed these achievements to the collective effort of the City Council, city government employees, the private sector, and the Ilonggo community. He consistently emphasized that meaningful change is a result of shared vision and cooperation.
“When I first held office in 2001, Iloilo City was known as one of the dirtiest in the country,” he recalled.
“But we cleaned up our streets, planted trees, and lit up our communities,” he added.
Through partnerships and determination, Iloilo City received numerous accolades — including being the first LGU inducted into the Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame via the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA).
Upon returning as mayor in 2019, Treñas faced renewed challenges, including Iloilo City’s tarnished reputation as the country’s most “shabulized” city.
“I was mocked and criticized, but I never pointed fingers. Together, we turned things around,” he said.
INCLUSIVE GROWTH AS A PRIORITY
For Mayor Treñas, the real success of his administration lies in how the city’s programs have improved lives. His administration placed strong emphasis on inclusive growth, with initiatives in jobs, livelihood and housing topping the agenda.
The Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA) trained and empowered over 425 market vendors, supported by P2.1 million in capital assistance, including a P1 million donation from the BDO Foundation. The tRAIbaho Ilonggo program provided skills training to 1,255 residents in areas such as masonry, carpentry, food processing, and housekeeping.
To support micro-entrepreneurs, 133 ambulant vendors received business carts with bikes, and 100 sari-sari store owners received starter stock packages. The Uswag Negosyo sa Barangay program was also launched while 15 capacity-building trainings were conducted benefitting over 1,600 NMSEs (nano, micro, and small enterprises).
The city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO), consistently recognized as the best-performing in the country, connected thousands of Ilonggos to job opportunities through fairs and recruitment events.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reflect this progress:
* Employment rate rose from 94.6% in 2022 to 96.2% in 2024
* Unemployment rate dropped from 4.4% in 2023 to 3.8% in 2024
* Underemployment rate decreased from 14.2% in 2022 to 11.9% in 2024
On the housing front, 8,709 homeless families were provided with homes, with more shelter projects underway — especially for informal settlers.
ILOILO CITY ON THE WORLD STAGE
Under Treñas’ leadership, Iloilo City gained international acclaim. The city earned the designation of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, became one of the World’s Top 18 Fitness-Friendly Cities, and was honored with prestigious recognitions such as:
* 2024 Livable City Award;
* 2024 ASEAN Smoke-Free Award (Gold Category);
* 2025 Europa Award for Green LGU;
* 2024 Asian Townscape Awards;
* Galing Pook Awards for Bike Lanes, RISE-A-FARM and Iloilo City Sports Academy;
* Mobility Gold Award;
* ASEAN Clean Tourist City Awards; and more.
It also ranked among the Top 5 Most Competitive and Business-Friendly Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines, and retained its title as the No. 1 Most Competitive HUC outside Metro Manila. With a 10.5% economic growth rate, Iloilo City became the fastest-growing metro in Western Visayas and a top economic contributor outside the National Capital Region.
The city also earned distinctions such as:
* 2024 Good Financial Housekeeping Passer
* 2024 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit Passer
* First-ever Unmodified Opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA)
“Our real victory is not just in infrastructure. It is in the spirit of every Ilonggo, our vendors, drivers, civil servants, and youth, who now carry themselves with dignity and confidence,” the mayor noted.
OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT
Mayor Treñas has long been recognized for his commitment to good governance and public service. As Iloilo City’s chief executive, he earned widespread respect not only for his transformative leadership but also for his integrity and dedication to public welfare.
He was honored twice, in 2021 and 2023, with the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award as a Regional Winner for Outstanding Government Workers by the Civil Service Commission, affirming his outstanding contributions to the public sector.
Mayor Treñas also consistently topped the “Boses ng Bayan” performance survey for city mayors in Western Visayas, conducted by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD). His top ratings reflect the strong trust and satisfaction of his constituents. In 2023, his continued excellence in leadership earned him further national recognition as an Outstanding Public Servant, underscoring his legacy as one of the country’s most respected local leaders.
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE AND HOPE
As he exits public office, Mayor Treñas called for continued unity and support for his successor — Mayor-elect Raisa S. Treñas.
“With one vision and direction, we can definitely attain our goals for the city. Its continued progress will ultimately benefit us all,” he said.
Indeed, Mayor Treñas bows out not just with pride, but with the confidence that Iloilo City is ready to dream even bigger.
APPRECIATION FROM PARTNERS
Leaders from Iloilo City’s private sector paid tribute to Mayor Treñas for his transformative leadership and his role in fostering inclusive development and strong public-private collaboration.
Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), shared a heartfelt message recognizing the mayor’s significant impact.
“Your last six years in office coincided with the six years since MORE Power began serving Iloilo City,” Castro said.
He added: “We would not be where we are today without your vision and your ability to lead both the public and private sectors with integrity and balance.”
Speaking on behalf of MORE Power’s board and management, and also as president of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILED), Castro emphasized, “Your inclusive leadership and perseverance have been vital to the city’s success. ILED and the entire private sector thank you, Mayor.”
Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, echoed the sentiment, lauding Mayor Treñas for steering the city’s rapid growth.
“On behalf of SM Supermalls, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast leadership. SM City Iloilo has flourished alongside the city, becoming a vibrant hub for business, culture, and community,” he said.
He also highlighted SM’s ongoing redevelopment of the Iloilo Central and Terminal Public Markets, a partnership that reflects shared goals of inclusive and sustainable urban development.
“These modern markets will benefit thousands of vendors and preserve Iloilo’s heritage. Madamo gid nga salamat, Mayor Treñas. SM remains committed to building on this legacy of growth. Padayon kita Ciudad sang Iloilo!” Tan added.
As Iloilo City turns a new chapter, the enduring legacy of Mayor Treñas lives on, in every project, partnership, and community empowered by his visionary leadership./PN
