ILOILO City – This southern city under the leadership of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas continues to thrive as a model of development where strategic good governance and strong public-private partnerships (PPP) fuel its sustainable growth.
Treñas, who returned to office in 2019 with overwhelming votes, made a strong resolve to transforming Iloilo City. By capitalizing on the Uswag Iloilo platform, what began as a vision has now become a reality.
“I am very proud that here in Iloilo City, we have a very strong public-private partnership. The private sector has always been a staunch partner in many of our various endeavors,” he said.
One of the landmark PPP projects under his term as mayor is the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central and Terminal markets. The city government has partnered with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. to provide modern, clean, and conducive spaces for vendors and market-goers. The partnership further benefited market vendors, who availed themselves of livelihood and skills training programs provided through the Uswag Negosyo Academy, in collaboration with the BDO Foundation.
Almost simultaneously with these two major projects, the city government is also funding the improvement of the district public markets in Arevalo, La Paz, and Jaro.
In the pipeline is the construction of a cutting-edge Integrated Iloilo City Solid Waste Management Facility in Barangay Ingore, La Paz. This facility will position Iloilo City as a pioneer in sustainable waste management in the country, in partnership with MetPower Venture Partners Holdings, Inc.
To provide housing, the city government and SM Development Corporation collaborated to build Kauswagan Residences in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, for qualified low-salary City Hall employees.
MORE Electric and Power Corporation supports Iloilo City projects such as the lighting of Molo Plaza and St. Anne Parish (Molo Church), Calle Real Underground Cabling, Twin Christmas Trees, Esplanade Fingerling Release, and San Jose Parish Placer Lighting.
Global Business Power Corp. financed the transformation of La Paz Plaza’s pond into a Koi lagoon and the establishment of the Green Butterfly Garden. Additionally, GBP is committed to illuminating La Paz Plaza’s football ground with a state-of-the-art, internationally compliant lighting system, making it the first football ground facility in a plaza in Western Visayas to receive such an upgrade.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) is another testament to the strong relationship between the city government and the private sector, particularly in the successful staging of Iloilo’s major events such as the Dinagyang, Paraw Regatta, Arts, and Bike festivals.
The contributions of various business groups to the city’s initiatives are significant. For instance, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo has partnered with the city government and IFFI to bring hope to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) through the annual Christmas Parol of Hope. This project, with around 1,500 giant lanterns lighting up the city’s streets, provides PDLs with additional income for each lantern they craft.
The Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARE) Centers are also a testament to the city’s partnership with the private sector. These facilities have been established on donated portions of properties from generous partners such as Gaisano and Megaworld in Mandurriao, and Jamora properties in Ungka, Jaro.
The city government collaborated with the United Architects of the Philippines-Bahandi Chapter to design the Tree Park Network, and partnered with the Zoological Society of London and Globe Telecom to maintain the Beach Forest along the coast of Barangay Boulevard, Molo.
These greening efforts were showcased by Treñas at the World Government Summit in Dubai last year.
In 2023, he joined other local chief executives from other countries in a benchmarking trip focused on PPP for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in South Korea.
For Mayor Treñas, effective change is not solely dependent on the leader but relies on the collaboration of department heads, employees, and strong support from the City Council. He emphasized that in Iloilo City, the vision and dedication to good governance are clear and shared among all stakeholders.
Iloilo City’s commitment to good governance also has been recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. A Certificate of Recognition was conferred to the city for successfully meeting eight of 10 key governance areas under the Seal of Good Local Governance for the year 2024.
Moreover, this southern city’s recognition as the fifth Most Competitive Highly Urvanized City in the country and still the top city outside the National Capital Region (NCR) is another proof to the city’s upholding of good governance and the strength of PPP.
Treñas himself was honored twice, in 2021 and 2023, with the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award as a Regional Winner for Outstanding Government Workers by the Civil Service Commission.
Likewise, he has consistently ranked at the top of the “Boses ng Bayan” performance survey for city mayors in Western Visayas, conducted by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD). In 2023, he was further recognized as an Outstanding Public Servant.
FINDING SUCCESS IN ILOILO CITY
In driving economic growth, the private sector, particularly the business community, has played a pivotal and instrumental role. Businesses have been at the forefront, spearheading initiatives that foster economic development, job creation, and innovation.
As of Feb. 27, the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Division recorded 13,088 business renewals and 120 new businesses and investments in Iloilo for this year.
Martin Fajardo II, owner of the coffee shop “Bean There Coffee”, is among those who have found a welcoming home for their business in Iloilo City.
Hailing from Capiz province, Fajardo ventured in Iloilo City and launched his first coffee shop at Jalandoni Street, City Proper in 2022. Two years later, he expanded to a second location in E. Lopez Street, Jaro.
For Fajardo, Iloilo City offers a thriving coffee culture and a business-friendly environment that fosters growth. He believes the city’s balance of tradition and progress makes it the perfect place for his coffee shop to flourish.
“Iloilo City’s welcoming market and pro-business climate have made expansion smoother and more exciting,” Fajardo shared.
“It’s a city where businesses like ours can grow and truly feel at home,” he added./PN
FOR THE ILONGGOS.The Iloilo City Government under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is focused on improving the lives of every Ilonggo family. It is committed to building a livable, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive metropolis, anchored on the support of the Ilonggos.