ILOILO City — Mayor Raisa Treñas takes Iloilo City’s bid for greater global recognition to the international stage as she joins a series of high-level engagements in Singapore aimed at helping cities harness heritage, sustainability, and innovation as drivers of long-term development.
Treñas is in Singapore from June 11 to 16 to participate in discussions leading up to the World Cities Summit 2026, where city leaders, urban planners, and heritage experts are sharing strategies on balancing modernization with the preservation of cultural identity.
In a statement, Treñas described her participation as a “dako nga prebilihiyo” (great privilege), noting that she served as a panel speaker during the National Heritage Board (NHB) Session titled “Championing Heritage for Loveable Cities”.
The session brought together city leaders and experts to exchange insights on how globally recognized cities preserve and promote cultural and heritage assets while pursuing economic growth and urban development.
Aside from the heritage-focused panel, Treñas said she was also invited to the Mayors Forum, particularly the Re-thinking Urban Energy Transition Plenary, where mayors and urban leaders discuss challenges and best practices in building sustainable, resilient, and future-ready cities.
Treñas emphasized that Iloilo City stands to benefit from the lessons and experiences shared by other cities that have successfully integrated heritage into broader development strategies.
“Ini nga participation dako nga oportunidad nga matun-an pa gid naton kun paano ginapreserbar kag gina-promote sang mga globally recognized cities ang ila cultural kag heritage assets,” she said.
She added that the city is also undertaking learning visits to areas that have successfully used heritage as a key pillar of urban development, demonstrating how cultural assets can attract tourism, investments, and international recognition.
Treñas cited Iloilo City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy as proof that international recognition can translate into tangible benefits for local development.
“Nakita naton ang positibo nga epekto sang UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation sa Iloilo City, kag ginakonsidera naton ini bilang basehan para sa mas dako pa nga development direction,” Treñas said, adding that the city intends to build on that momentum as it works toward becoming a globally recognized heritage city.
During Treñas’ official trip, Vice Mayor Julie Grace Baronda is serving as acting mayor of Iloilo City./PN
