ILOILO City – Two young Ilongga students have stepped into the city’s top leadership posts this week, symbolizing the next generation of empowered women leaders in government as Iloilo City marks the 2025 Boys’ and Girls’ Week celebration.
Helen Natalie Bolivar of West Visayas State University – Laboratory School (WVSU-LS) assumed office as Girl Mayor while Pia Therese Sancho of Assumption School of Iloilo took her oath as Girl Vice Mayor.
Both will serve from October 20 to 25, shadowing Mayor Raisa Treñas and Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda — two real-life examples of women at the forefront of city governance.
Spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Iloilo City in partnership with Rotary International District 3850 and the Iloilo City Government, the week-long immersion aims to foster civic responsibility, leadership, and transparency among young Ilonggos by letting them experience firsthand how the city government works.
During their term, the Girl Officials will attend council sessions, visit local offices, and participate in community programs to better understand decision-making and teamwork in public administration.
“Unity plays a big role in the progress of Iloilo City. Without unity, it would be difficult to achieve the goals we set as a community,” said Girl Mayor Bolivar. “I hope to learn how our city officials work together to build a better and more inclusive city for everyone.”
For her part, Girl Vice Mayor Sancho stressed that integrity is indispensable in governance.
“No organization can truly succeed without unity,” she said. “My advocacy focuses on transparency, honesty, and openness in government — values that I believe every leader should uphold.”
The Boys’ and Girls’ Week program has long been recognized as a training ground for future public servants.
This year’s celebration carries added meaning as it reinforces Iloilo City’s commitment to promoting youth participation, gender equality, and accountable governance./PN