ILOILO City – Every tax payment tells a story of opportunity, hope, and better public service for Ilonggos in this southern city.
Through Real Property Tax (RPT) collections, the Iloilo City Government continues to strengthen programs in education, healthcare, social services, and community development, ensuring that public funds are translated into meaningful projects that directly improve the lives of residents.
Mayor Raisa S. Treñas emphasized that RPT remains one of the city’s most vital revenue sources, allowing the local government to sustain and expand programs that benefit communities across all sectors.
“With health, education, and social services among our top priorities, these revenues allow us to continue investing in programs that directly uplift the lives of our people, especially our children and students,” the mayor said.
Investing in Every Student’s Future
One of the sectors that benefits most from RPT is education.
At a recent Local School Board meeting, Mayor Treñas announced that 51 of Iloilo City’s 66 public schools will receive projects specifically identified by school heads to address the unique needs of their students and communities.
The Local School Board also approved Resolution No. 1 for Supplemental Budget No. 1, Series of 2026, which allocates additional support for public schools.
“These projects are funded through our Special Education Fund (SEF). For every P100 paid in RPT, P33 goes directly to the SEF — used for classrooms, repairs, school facilities, and student support,” Treñas explained.
The city government also allocated funds for school supplies for School Year 2026–2027 to help ensure students are fully prepared for classes.
“Last year, I personally met with our school principals and promised that no school in Iloilo City would be left behind. They themselves identified the projects their schools truly need,” the mayor shared.
She added: “These initiatives show that the taxes you pay go directly to where they matter most—toward better learning environments and higher quality education for our children.”
Beyond basic education, the city government continues to strengthen tertiary and technical education through the Iloilo City Community College (ICCC) and the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC), which have already produced thousands of college graduates and skilled workers.
Strengthening Healthcare and Social Protection
Tax revenues also help fund vital healthcare services and improve medical facilities throughout the city.
Among the city’s major health investments are dialysis centers, upgraded district health centers, physical rehabilitation facilities, and a molecular laboratory that expanded healthcare access for Ilonggos.
The city also continues to expand social protection programs through the Iloilo City Atipan Center, where more than 12,000 Ilonggos—including senior citizens, mothers, women, persons with disabilities, and students—have received assistance.
Services provided include social welfare assistance, health and dental services, livelihood and educational support, burial assistance, and financial aid.
Mayor Treñas recently announced that an additional 1,000 senior citizens have been included in the city’s Social Pension Program, increasing the total number of beneficiaries to 9,000 from 8,000.
“This is one of our campaign commitments, and we are fulfilling it by continuously increasing the number of beneficiaries,” the mayor said.
Complementing this effort is the rollout of the Kabulig Pangkabuhayan Emergency Employment (KAYA) Program, a P30-million initiative expected to benefit more than 5,000 residents affected by rising fuel prices and economic pressures.
Under the program, beneficiaries will be assigned temporary work in barangays and government offices, performing clerical, cleaning, and administrative support tasks for up to three months.
“Through the KAYA Program, we want every Ilonggo family to feel that the city government is present in times of need—providing emergency employment, job opportunities, and support to the most vulnerable sectors,” Treñas said.
The city is also extending assistance to the transport sector, with nearly 1,000 taxi drivers set to receive P1,000 fuel subsidy coupons. This follows earlier aid provided to more than 1,000 public utility jeepney drivers and around 2,000 tricycle drivers as part of efforts to cushion the impact of fuel price increases.
Beyond short-term assistance, Iloilo City is also investing in long-term poverty reduction programs.
For beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the city is expanding access to education and livelihood opportunities. Youth beneficiaries who wish to pursue higher education may apply for the Uswag Scholarship Program, while others may enroll in technical and skills development training.
Meanwhile, mothers from 4Ps households are being assisted through Sustainable Livelihood Programs that provide financial assistance and additional allowances to help sustain small businesses.
“We are prioritizing sustainable support—not just temporary aid, but opportunities that will empower families to become self-reliant,” Treñas emphasized. “When their children finish school and secure decent jobs, that is real progress.”
Healthcare and social services are also being reinforced through the city’s subsidy program for persons with disabilities (PWDs), with more than 900 beneficiaries already receiving assistance across several districts. Additional distributions are scheduled in the coming months to expand coverage further.
Building Better Communities
At the barangay level, RPT-funded projects continue to improve everyday life in communities through:
* road improvement and construction,
* drainage projects,
* day care centers,
* barangay halls,
* district libraries,
* outdoor reading hubs, and
* Uswag Nutrition Center.
For Mayor Treñas, these projects are proof that taxpayers’ contributions are making a real difference in the lives of Ilonggos.
“All these are made possible because of our taxpayers. Through your continued support and contribution, we are able to deliver better services and create more opportunities for our people,” the mayor said./PN
