ILOILO City – At exactly 12 noon today, history unfolds as Raisa S. Treñas formally assumes her role as the first elected woman mayor of Iloilo City, ushering in a new chapter of leadership marked by continuity, compassion, and a clear vision for inclusive progress.
Though her oath-taking ceremony was held earlier on June 27 at the City Hall Penthouse, today marks Mayor Raisa’s official first day in office, succeeding her father, outgoing Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, after a historic landslide victory in the May 2025 elections. She garnered 170,162 votes, the highest ever for a mayoral candidate in the city’s history.
“This is more than a personal milestone, it’s a shared triumph for every Ilonggo who dreams of a better, more inclusive city,” she said.
As she steps into the forefront of leadership, she declared her resolve, “I am ready to rise to the challenge, ready to rise to action, and ready to rise to success with every Ilonggo by my side!”
Mayor Raisa emphasized that her oath was not just as the new leader of Iloilo City, but as a partner in shaping a shared future – one that is just, inclusive, resilient, and filled with hope. She pledged to lead with fresh energy and a governance style that listens, reflects, and innovates.
“Magaserbisyo ako sang matuod-tuod, kag pakita ko nga ang pagpalangga ko, todo-todo,” she vowed.
Mayor Raisa takes the helm with a strong mandate and a promise to build on the achievements of her predecessor. She inherits key infrastructure and social development programs and has vowed to continue initiatives such as the Iloilo City Hospital, Sports Center, tRAIbaho Livelihood Program, Raise Mental Health Program, Raise A Farm, Merkado Lokal, Uswag Negosyo Academy, and the Iloilo Sports Academy.
Her vision is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.
“Let’s just altogether get on the same boat and start rowing smoothly. Ang pag-uswag sang syudad, indi lang trabaho sang alkalde kundi sang tagsa-tagsa nga Ilonggo,” she emphasized as she called for collective action in building a resilient and forward-looking Iloilo City.
Mayor Raisa also delivered a heartfelt acknowledgement to her family, her husband Francis and daughter Thea, her parents Mayor Jerry and Rosalie Treñas, her siblings, and extended family.
She especially gave tribute to her father, whom she honored as the “Amay sang Kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo.”
With emotion, she pledged, “Pa, padayunon ko ang aton handum kag mga plano para sa Iloilo.”
With her official assumption, Mayor Raisa begins her historic term, one that promises to honor the past, meet the present with purpose, and shape a future where no Ilonggo is left behind.
The June 27 ceremony at City Hall was witnessed by family, friends, officials, and supporters, and officiated by Judge Rose Edith Gautier Togonon of the Regional Trial Court Branch 25. It was followed by the formal turnover of leadership from outgoing Mayor Treñas, who served the city with distinction for more than four decades.
The lady mayor also paid special tribute to former Sen. Franklin Drilon, her core campaign team Team Uswag, and the newly elected members of the City Council — councilors Frances Grace Parcon, Johnny Young, Romel Duron, Rudolph Jeffrey O. Ganzon, Mandrie Malabor, Nene Dela Llana, Lyndon Acap, Alan Zaldivar, Rex Marcus Sarabia, Sedfrey Cabaluna, and Jose Maria Miguel Treñas — all of whom likewise took their oath of office.
Aside from Judge Togonon, Mayor Raisa also took her oath before Association of Barangay Captains (ABC)-Iloilo President and ex-officio member Irene Ong.
In his emotional farewell message during his final flag-raising ceremony, Mayor Jerry declared, “I leave behind a city ready for greater dreams and achievements.”
He highlighted the city’s progress and readiness to pursue even more ambitious goals including the aspiration of becoming the Philippines’ third most liveable, resilient, inclusive, and green city.
He also called on the public to rally behind his daughter’s leadership.
“Ginapangayo ko gid sa inyo tanan – ihatag ta ang aton kooperasyon kag pagbulig sa masunod nga administrasyon para ang kaayuhan nga madala sang masunod nga liderato, tanan kita maka-ambit,” he said.
Mayor Jerry also took time to thank the city government workforce.
“Nagapasalamat gid ko sa inyo tanan. Indi ko ma-express sang husto ang akon pagpasalamat sa inyo kay adlaw-adlaw ko dumdumon ang inyo hugot nga suporta para malab-ot naton ang handum naton nga i-level up ang Syudad sang Iloilo,” he expressed.
He emphasized that the city’s progress was the product of collective effort, not individual leadership./PN
