THE RECENT income reclassification of Iloilo’s municipalities is a cause for celebration. Fourteen towns ascended to first-class status, but an equally compelling story lies in the progress of towns that moved up the ranks but have yet to reach the pinnacle. From Alimodian to Zarraga, these municipalities’ advancement shows a province on the rise, yet their journey is far from over.
Towns like Alimodian, now a second-class municipality, and Dueñas, upgraded to third-class status, display resilience and potential. Their reclassification is a nod to the efforts of local leaders and communities who have worked tirelessly to improve their revenue streams, promote local industries, and strengthen fiscal management. These advancements must serve as stepping stones to achieve a better classification.
However, the reality is that these municipalities still face challenges that threaten to stall their progress. Infrastructure deficits, limited healthcare services, and a lack of access to quality education are hurdles that lower-class towns must overcome. For instance, fourth-class towns like Mina and Bingawan, which recently shed their fifth-class status, remain heavily reliant on agriculture. Without diversification and investment in value-added industries, they risk stagnating economically.
To sustain their upward trajectory, continued support from both the provincial and national governments is important. Infrastructure funding is particularly critical. Improved road networks and digital connectivity can enhance trade, attract investors, and provide residents with access to broader markets and services. Programs aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should also be prioritized, as these businesses are the backbone of rural economies.
Also, these municipalities need targeted capacity-building programs to strengthen local governance. Transparent budgeting, effective tax collection, and participatory planning are skills that can help local leaders maximize their resources and ensure that development plans align with the needs of their constituents.
Another key area is education. Investing in human capital by improving schools and offering vocational training can empower residents with skills to participate in higher-value economic activities. Municipalities like Leganes, which already benefits from its proximity to Iloilo City, should capitalize on its strategic location by creating educational and training hubs to uplift its workforce.
But development is not solely the responsibility of local leaders or external support. Residents themselves must have an active participation in governance, entrepreneurship, and community-driven initiatives to accelerate progress.
Lower-class municipalities must not be left behind. Their journey from the fringes to becoming thriving economic centers is both a challenge and an opportunity. Collective efforts will determine how far they can go.
