BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Cheers and warm greetings greeted Mayor Jerry Treñas as he returned to his office at the Iloilo City Hall yesterday.
After nearly three months of medical leave following a bile duct operation at St. Luke’s Medical Center on November 1, the mayor resumed his official duties, greeted by the familiar, smiling faces of City Hall employees.
“Seeing them made me feel right at home — a reminder of the unwavering commitment and camaraderie that make serving Iloilo City a truly fulfilling experience,” Treñas shared, expressing his deep gratitude for the warm reception from his team.
Following his return to office, Treñas shared that he had a productive meeting with Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and several City Councilors.
During the discussion, the mayor provided an update on his current health status and expressed heartfelt appreciation for their continued support and understanding as he balances his responsibilities with ensuring his well-being.
“I also extended my gratitude to the City Council for their unwavering collaboration and dedication to serving the Ilonggos. Ginapasalig ko gid sa inyo nga we will persist in working on initiatives that advance the welfare of our constituents and the overall development of Iloilo City,” said Treñas.
Likewise, Treñas said he also said that he had the chance to gather informally with department heads and executive assistants.
“This wasn’t a formal meeting — I simply missed seeing the faces of the team that works tirelessly for the continued progress of our beloved Iloilo City,” the mayor said.
He took the opportunity to personally commend and express gratitude for their outstanding achievements.
“Bisan ara ako sa Manila, kabalo gid ako sang ila mga gina-ubra kag kontribusyon para sa aton syudad,” Treñas remarked, acknowledging their dedication even during his absence.
The mayor expressed pride and appreciation for their unwavering commitment and excellent performance, emphasizing how their collective efforts drive the city’s continued development.
During their conversation, Treñas shared that they discussed several important updates.
“I shared insights on the current market developments and entrusted the City Engineer’s Office to closely monitor these matters to ensure proper action and follow-through,” said Treñas.
He added that they also tackled operational updates, including the transfer of the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to the Legislative Building within the week.
The mayor further emphasized how Iloilo City continues to flourish, attributing part of this progress to the invaluable support of former Senator Franklin Drilon, whose contributions remain instrumental to the city’s growth.
“As I shared with our team, if we maintain sustainability in managing our city, madasig gid ang padayon nga kaUSWAGan sang Iloilo City,” Treñas said.
On another note, he announced plans to soon endorse the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) to the City Council for approval, aiming to advance initiatives that benefit both employees and the wider community.
Meanwhile, Treñas announced that the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) and gratuity pay for job hires are still awaiting official guidelines from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
“Rest assured, we will act promptly once the guidelines are issued. I also expressed my optimism about the future,” the mayor said.
He also hinted at the possibility of returning to Congress by 2028, saying, “Wherever the path may lead, my commitment to Iloilo City’s continued progress will always remain steadfast.”/PN
