ILOILO City – Families facing demolition and displacement could gain stronger safeguards under a sweeping housing reform measure approved by the Iloilo City Council, which seeks to institutionalize a “No Relocation, No Demolition” policy while ensuring that housing beneficiaries have access to livelihood opportunities and essential services.
The proposed Comprehensive Iloilo City Local Housing Code of 2026, also known as the PASILONG Code, now awaits the signature of Mayor Raisa Treñas before it can become a city ordinance.
The measure represents a significant shift in the city government’s approach to housing, moving beyond the construction of homes and relocation of informal settler families toward a comprehensive system that addresses security of tenure, economic opportunities and community development.
A major provision of the proposed ordinance is the “No Relocation, No Demolition” policy, which establishes safeguards against displacement, subject to exceptions and procedures under national laws, particularly when relocation is legally required.
The measure also seeks to provide clearer guidelines for determining who qualifies for government housing assistance, particularly families residing in danger zones, those affected by government infrastructure projects and court-ordered evictions, and vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens and solo parents.
Treñas emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive legal framework to ensure that housing programs are implemented fairly, systematically and effectively.
“Nahibaluan naton nga para ensakto kag maayo ang pagpatuman sang aton housing programs, kinahanglan may ara kita sang klaro kag komprehensibo nga polisiya kag laye nga mangin basehan naton. Amo ini ang tuyo sang PASILONG Code,” Treñas said.
The proposed code seeks to institutionalize the PASILONG Program, or “Pabalay Para sa Pamilyang Ilonggo,” as the city government’s principal framework for addressing housing needs.
Under the measure, housing assistance will not be limited to providing shelter or relocating families. It will also encompass livelihood and skills development, security of tenure, homeowners’ association formation, and access to education, healthcare and other basic services.
The broader approach recognizes that providing families with houses alone does not necessarily guarantee their long-term economic security or improve their quality of life.
By integrating housing assistance with livelihood opportunities and essential services, the city government aims to develop sustainable communities where relocated families can establish more stable and productive lives.
Treñas said the ordinance would also establish a consistent system for identifying qualified beneficiaries and determining the appropriate assistance for different categories of housing applicants.
Such a framework is particularly important in addressing the varying circumstances of families threatened by displacement, including those occupying hazardous locations and properties affected by public infrastructure development.
The mayor stressed that housing policies must consider not only the immediate need for shelter but also the long-term welfare of beneficiaries and their families.
Meanwhile, Treñas said she is awaiting the formal transmittal of the approved ordinance to her office.
“I am now waiting nga mapadala ini sa akon office so I can sign it,” Treñas said.
The measure was sponsored by Councilor Miguel Treñas and subsequently approved by the City Council.
Once signed, the PASILONG Code is expected to provide the city government with a comprehensive policy foundation for housing assistance, beneficiary selection, relocation and community development, subject to its implementation requirements.
The measure underscores the city’s intention to make housing programs more responsive to the needs of vulnerable Ilonggo families while ensuring that relocation efforts are accompanied by opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and access to essential public services./PN
