ILOILO City — This city’s first elected lady mayor, Raisa S. Treñas, celebrated her first 100 days in office with an inspiring State of the City Address (SOCA), on Wednesday, October 8, that highlighted compassion, integrity, inclusivity, and innovation in public service. Her message, encapsulated in the theme “Rise to Action,” called on Ilonggos to unite in building a city that uplifts every family, strengthens communities, and embraces sustainable progress.
“Malayo pa, pero malayo na,” Mayor Treñas declared, capturing both the humility and optimism of her administration’s early achievements.
Her first 100 days were marked by visible results — improved social services, record-breaking economic growth, and strengthened partnerships with local and international allies — reflecting her brand of leadership: decisive, compassionate, and deeply rooted in public accountability.
Speaking before the Sangguniang Panlungsod, barangay officials, private sector leaders, and community partners, Treñas said her administration’s Rise-to-Action Framework is not merely a slogan but a philosophy of governance.
“Public service is both a privilege and a responsibility. Daku nga dungog nga makaupod ko kamo sa sini nga pag-panglakaton,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to serve with sincerity and purpose.
She also expressed gratitude to past leaders — former Mayor Jerry Treñas and former Sen. Franklin Drilon — whose vision laid the groundwork for Iloilo’s transformation. Building upon their legacy, she vowed to continue what she calls “the next chapter of the Iloilo Miracle.”
42 Programs Launched Under the Rise-to-Action Framework
In just 100 days, the Treñas administration launched 42 programs and initiatives built upon three major pillars:
* Rising Health and Social Services
* Rising Economy
* Rising Livability
Each pillar reflects the city’s A.C.T.I.O.N. priorities — Access to education and social services, Comprehensive health and wellness, Trabaho at negosyo (jobs and livelihood), Immersive tourism and culture, Orderly and safe communities, and Nature-based sustainability.
These programs embody her administration’s vision of an Iloilo City that is inclusive, empowered, and future-ready.
Rising Health and Social Services
Under the Rising Health and Social Services pillar, Iloilo City reinforced its commitment to a healthy, educated, and socially supported citizenry.
Key accomplishments include:
* E-Health Tawag and RISEMed, which bring free medical consultations and medicine distribution to barangays, reducing the burden on hospitals.
* The Uswag Nutrition Center’s RAIS-Sustansya food mix, a localized nutrition initiative producing 1,282 sachets daily to fight child malnutrition.
* The transformation of the La Paz Maternity Clinic into a Primary Health Care Center, expanding access to maternal, women’s, and general healthcare.
* The establishment of RISEable, Iloilo’s first SPED and Early Intervention Center, offering free therapy and educational support to children with special needs — a milestone for inclusive education.
* The Uswag Atipan Center at City Hall, which has already assisted over 3,000 Ilonggos through its one-stop social welfare and crisis assistance system.
“From womb to tomb, we provide services that make every Ilonggo family stronger, healthier, and more productive,” Mayor Treñas said.
These programs emphasize the city’s holistic approach — investing not only in health infrastructure but also in community empowerment and social dignity.
Rising Economy
Mayor Treñas proudly reported that Iloilo City continues to lead the region in economic growth. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Iloilo recorded a 7.1% growth rate in 2024, making Iloilo the fastest-growing economy in Western Visayas.
The city’s gross domestic product (GDP) surged from ₱160 billion in 2023 to ₱171 billion in 2024, affirming its position as the second-largest contributor to the region’s economy.
The city government achieved several milestones in economic performance:
* Employment reached 96%, reducing unemployment to 4.1%.
* The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) facilitated over 128,000 job solicitations, with an impressive 92.6% placement rate.
* Programs like TLC (Tindahan Livelihood Carts ni Inday) and SIGE Asenso supported hundreds of micro-entrepreneurs and market vendors, promoting self-reliance and innovation.
* The RISE MERKADO initiative modernized public markets, introducing cleaner, safer, and more efficient trading environments for vendors and consumers alike.
“We understand how opportunity can change lives. Every job we create and every livelihood we support builds a stronger, more empowered community,” the mayor emphasized.
Mayor Treñas also reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to support startups, creative industries, and local investors, positioning Iloilo as a hub for innovation and sustainable enterprise in the Visayas.
Rising Livability
The Rising Livability pillar focuses on creating a city that is safe, sustainable, and conducive to a high quality of life.
Among the city’s notable achievements are:
* The PASIlong: Pabahay sa Pamilyang Ilonggo program, with over 2,000 housing units in progress and an additional 30,000 square meters of land acquired for future development.
* Environmental programs such as EcoCycle, RISE to Greens, and SunRISE, all aimed at promoting waste reduction, green spaces, and renewable energy.
* The city maintained its low crime rate, with 287 drug personalities arrested and ₱56.5 million worth of shabu seized between July and October 2025.
Mayor Treñas also announced the Metro Iloilo Integrated Public Transport System Study, a Swedish Government–funded project that aims to enhance mobility and reduce congestion.
“Our goal is to move people, not just vehicles,” she said, thanking the Swedish Government for its continued partnership in transport modernization, tourism promotion, and citizen engagement.
Addressing environmental concerns, Mayor Treñas acknowledged the intensifying effects of climate change and the recurring floods in the city.
“Nabatyagan gid naton ang epekto sang climate change kag ang kabudlay nga dala sang pagbaha. Gani gina-welcome ta gid ang direktiba ni President Bongbong Marcos nga dapat may koordinasyon sa mga local government units para masiguro nga epektibo ang mga proyekto,” she said.
The mayor assured the public that flood control remains a top priority:
“Ang Iloilo City Government naga-assure sa tanan nga pumuluyo nga tutukan gid naton ang tanan nga flood control projects kag mga concerns nga may kaangtanan diri. Padayon kita nga magatrabaho upod ang national government kag mga ahensya agud mapangapinan ang aton syudad kag kabuhi sang mga Ilonggo batok sa epekto sang pagbaha.”
A City of Awards and Recognitions
In just 100 days, Iloilo City continued to shine as a multi-awarded city for excellence in governance, innovation, culture, and sustainability.
Among its latest accolades:
* Best LGU by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Iloilo
* Harmonized Health Excellence Award for the City Health Office
* Top 5 Most Business-Friendly LGUs by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
* StartUp Champion for Western Visayas by DOST VI
* Best Cultural Festival for the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2024 at the 2025 Pearl ATOP Awards
* Most Promising City for Public Transport and Bicycle-Friendly City at the Southeast Asia Mobility Awards
* No. 1 Highly Urbanized City during the 124th Police Service Anniversary
* Hall of Famer and 2024 Regional Grand Winner for Best PESO by DOLE
* PRIME HRM Bronze Award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region VI
Despite facing four typhoons and multiple flooding events, Mayor Treñas said these challenges strengthened her resolve for transparency and accountability in governance.
“Kaangay sang aton away batok sa pagbaha kag bagyo, ululupod naton nga awayon ang kapigaduhon kag korapsyon. Kon may palpak kag delayed nga proyekto, dapat may manabat. Indi na dapat magpabaya — this is not the Ilonggo way,” she emphasized.
As part of the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) Observer Network, Mayor Treñas committed to uphold participatory, transparent, and open-door governance — a model for local government accountability.
Continuing the Iloilo Miracle
Concluding her address, Mayor Treñas honored her father’s legacy, recalling his final words before stepping down as mayor: “I leave behind a city ready for greater dreams and achievements.”
“Subong, updanay kita nga tumanon ini,” she said, pledging to continue Iloilo’s rise as a Creative, Smart, and Sustainable City.
She also unveiled the Bamboo Industry Roadmap, an ambitious initiative that aims to make Iloilo the Bamboo Powerhouse of Southeast Asia by 2030 — blending innovation, local craftsmanship, and environmental sustainability.
“Padayon kita sa Pag-Uswag. Padayon kita sa pag-Rise to Action,” Mayor Treñas declared, concluding her first 100 days with a renewed call for unity, resilience, and collective progress./PN
