ON A FINE afternoon of April 19, I had the opportunity to meet one of Iloilo City’s most well-known, brilliant, and exemplary public servants — former mayor Jerry Treñas, popularly known as “JPT,” which stands for his full name, Jerry Perez Treñas.
In Iloilo, it is public knowledge that JPT is currently battling cancer. Just last March, he publicly announced that he has pancreatic cancer.
His announcement, notably, was no longer laced with politics. At 69, JPT no longer harbors ambitions of returning to the political arena.
So many are asking: why did he make such a bold disclosure about his battle with the “Big C”?
I, myself, was surprised by what he did. But to better understand, I sought him out, asked questions, and listened.
EVER READY
That was why I asked my longtime dear friend, Florence “Insiang” Hibionada, to help arrange a meeting so I could have an up-close and personal interview with the wittiest mayor Iloilo City has ever had.
Through Sir Jonas, JPT agreed — and mission accomplished.
The interview went smoothly, and after nearly half an hour, I was fully satisfied with my purpose.
In all honesty, I saw JPT looking fine — cool and calm.
Speaking as an ordinary citizen, he told me that it was in September last year when doctors informed him of his pancreatic cancer. That came nearly a year after he successfully underwent bile duct surgery in Manila.
At that moment — when he made the announcement — JPT did not waver. He said he maintained his composure because he had already accepted his fate.
Moving forward, he confided that he is ever ready to go.
But alas, his wife Rosalie, their five children, in-laws, and grandchildren broke down in tears. They did not want him to give up without fighting the “Big C.”
Human as he is, JPT relented.
Right then and there, he changed his trajectory.
MORE THAN OKAY
Eight months after his diagnosis, JPT now seems more than okay. His face and skin are glowing — a clear manifestation of a stress-free state.
One good thing, he said, is that he eats anything and everything — no food restrictions, no joke.
Though he still undergoes chemotherapy every two weeks, JPT shared that he finds his cancer journey manageable, even meaningful, as he continues to learn from it.
Having cancer, he said, has given him the chance to know who his real friends are — both inside and outside politics.
He has also come to recognize those who sincerely pray for him and for his victory over the “Big C.”
Most importantly, his current situation has brought his family closer and made them stronger.
14TH MOST COMMON CANCER
My own research shows that pancreatic cancer is currently the 14th most common cancer in the Philippines and the 8th leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN).
The Department of Health (DOH) notes that, when diagnosed early, pancreatic cancer can be treated — thanks to advances in medical technology in this digital era.
With procedures such as the Whipple operation and targeted therapies using a multidisciplinary approach, pancreatic cancer is no longer as formidable as it once was for seasoned gastroenterologists and oncologists.
But what exactly is pancreatic cancer?
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is an aggressive disease that begins when cells in the pancreas — a gland behind the stomach that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar — grow abnormally and form tumors.
It is often diagnosed late due to vague symptoms and commonly arises in the ducts that produce digestive enzymes (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma).
‘NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF’
Then comes the moment of self-acceptance.
JPT’s public disclosure of his condition — seven months after diagnosis — is an act of bravery. It reflects a level of acceptance that allowed him to be open and candid about his newest battle in life, beyond politics.
His words — “I realized that having cancer is not a sin, nor is it something I should be ashamed of” — speak volumes.
They reveal a man with a stupendous nerve, one who has become even more admirable beyond public service.
Amazing, indeed.
In a nutshell, JPT’s cancer journey is rooted in faith — transforming what may seem like fate into a future feat.
STOIC
The former mayor can now best be described as a stoic — “Citizen Jerry.”
He accepts his condition without complaint, simply following his doctors’ advice for his well-being — and it works.
His situation reminds one of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD), who endured years of war, personal loss, and the devastating Antonine Plague from 165 to 180 CE.
Historical records show that the plague killed millions during his reign, and yet Aurelius himself never complained or cowered, even in the face of death.
WILL TO SURVIVE
JPT’s will to survive — for his family, especially his beloved grandchildren (“apos”) — forms part of what may be called an “emotional contagion” that helps him cope and recover.
He now consciously manages his emotional environment and safeguards his mental health.
Above all, he nurtures positivity through supportive interactions with people who uplift his spirit.
As I interviewed him, a quote from Leonardo da Vinci came to mind:
“I love those who can smile in trouble, who gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”
For me, that is JPT — brilliant, candid, strong.
Or simply, the incomparable Jerry of Iloilo City./PN
