ILOILO City — Eighty-nine years of history, progress, and collective effort come together as Iloilo City celebrates its 89th Charter Day today, August 25, with the theme, “89 Years of Progress Towards a Better Iloilo City For All.”
For Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, the anniversary is not only a celebration of how far the city has come but also a renewed commitment to ensure that progress reaches every Ilonggo.
“Progress is meaningful when every Ilonggo can feel it, benefit from it, and become part of it,” Treñas said, emphasizing the city government’s continuing efforts to make public service more responsive, inclusive, and accessible.
Under her RISE-to-ACTION governance framework, the city continues to advance more than 40 programs focused on Rising Health and Social Services, Rising Economy, and a more Livable Iloilo City.
Among her administration’s flagship programs are ATIPAN Center, which brings government assistance closer to Ilonggos; HAPLOS, which provides medical and financial support; MediSen+, which gives free maintenance medicines to qualified seniors and PWDs; PASILONG, which expands access to affordable and decent housing; RISEAble, which supports children with special needs; Tindahan Livelihood & Cart (TLC), which creates livelihood opportunities; and SIGE Asenso, which helps local entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses.
From programs for children and families to support for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, workers, entrepreneurs, and communities, the city government is working to create opportunities and strengthen services across sectors.
But beyond programs and projects, the mayor underscored that Iloilo’s greatest strength is still its people.
For 89 years, Ilonggos have shaped the city through their hard work, resilience, compassion, and shared commitment to a better future. Their participation and cooperation continue to drive Iloilo City forward.
As the city looks ahead to another year, Treñas called on Ilonggos to remain united in building a city that is not only progressive and prosperous but also inclusive, resilient, and caring.
“Our journey does not end with the accomplishments we celebrate today. There is still much to do, and we remain committed to listening, working, and finding better ways to serve our people,” she said.
The 89th Charter Day, therefore, becomes both a celebration and a call to action—to honor Iloilo City’s achievements while continuing to work toward a future where no Ilonggo is left behind.
Honoring Ilonggo Excellence
Beyond the monthlong celebration of people-centered activities, this year’s Charter Day also shines a spotlight on Ilonggos whose excellence, dedication, and service have helped uplift communities, inspire others, and bring pride to Iloilo City.
During the Mayor’s Dinner on August 25, the Iloilo City Government will confer the highest Mayor’s Citation award to exemplary Ilonggos in recognition of their outstanding achievements, invaluable contributions, and dedicated service to the people of Iloilo City.
The Mayor’s Citation awardees are Dr. Resurreccion B. Sadaba, PhD, Professor of the University of the Philippines Visayas; Ms. Febie S. Ibojos, Director of Signpost Philippines Inc.; Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Dr. Kristine Gaona-Treñas, former Chairperson of the Iloilo City Heritage Council; and Dr. Cynthia P. Palmes-Saloma, Dean of the College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman.
Likewise, 10 outstanding Ilonggos will be honored for their distinguished performance, outstanding achievements in their chosen professions and in the community, and significant contributions to the development and promotion of Iloilo City.
This year’s Ten Outstanding Ilonggos are Dr. Gracia D. Malazarte, Cynthia Concepcion-Baga, Dr. Ramon G. Zarceno, Rhea B. Peñaflor, Lucyl L. Gulmatico, Gretchen J. Demisana, Dr. Ronald R. Latap, Jefferson P. Buenaventura, Alfonso Miguel Lenard S. Tan, and Crisanto A. Anas.
For Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, the recognition of these individuals reflects the importance of celebrating the people whose work and dedication help move Iloilo forward.
“These recognitions are a celebration of Ilonggos who, in their own ways, continue to make a difference. Their achievements inspire us and remind us that the progress of Iloilo City is built not only through programs and projects, but through people who choose to serve, excel, and contribute,” Treñas said.
Their stories reflect the very spirit of Iloilo’s 89th Charter Day — progress powered by people.
Their achievements remind us that building a better city is a shared endeavor. Every professional who excels, every leader who serves, every worker who contributes, and every citizen who helps a community thrive becomes part of Iloilo’s continuing story of progress.
On the other hand, the Iloilo City Government also recognized 42 outstanding employees through the PRAISE Committee for their excellence, dedication, and commitment to public service.
Mayor Treñas praised the city’s workforce as a key force behind Iloilo’s progress, emphasizing that public service should be delivered not only with competence and commitment, but also with heart.
The city government also honored top-performing departments in three categories: the Office of the City Budget Officer (Small), Local Economic Enterprise Office (Medium), and General Services Office (Large) emerged as first placers and received cash prizes of ₱20,000, ₱30,000, and ₱50,000, respectively. Treñas stressed that the recognition celebrates not only individual and departmental achievements but the collective contribution of the entire city government workforce toward a more responsive and caring government.For Treñas, every achievement of Iloilo City is a shared achievement of the people behind its public service.
“Pirmi ko gid gina-emphasize nga ari kita sa public service bangod ang aton main purpose amo ang maghatag sang serbisyo sa aton mga pumuluyo. And we should do this not only with competence and commitment, but most importantly, with a heart,” Treñas said. “Kay sa ulihi, indi lamang ang awards kag recognitions ang aton dapat handumon. Ang pinaka-importante amo nga mabatyagan sang aton mga pumuluyo nga may ara sila sang gobyerno nga nagapamati, nagabulig, kag nagaatipan sa ila,” she added.
As the city celebrates 89 years, Iloilo looks not only to the milestones already achieved but also to the possibilities that lie ahead.
The city will continue to rise — with its people at the heart of its journey toward a better Iloilo City for all./PN
