ILOILO City – In all aspects of local governance, a leader’s political will is key to carry out priorities and commitments.
In this southern city, investing in education is one of the top priorities of the administration of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
Education is part of his inclusive development and good governance roadmap called W.H.E.E.L.S. (Welfare, Health, Environment, Education, Livelihood, and Sustainability).
“Education is vital in building a community and a nation. As father of the city, I want my children, the Ilonggos, to have bigger and better opportunities to improve their lives, that’s why investing in education through various programs and projects is one of our priorities,” said Treñas.
USWAG SCHOLARSHIP
One of the flagship programs on education of the Treñas administration is the Uswag Scholarship wherein qualified beneficiaries get P5,000 cash assistance per semester.
This started in 2010 during Treñas’ stint as congressman, and he continued the program when he returned as city mayor in 2019.
A total of 25,389 scholars benefitted from the program since 2010.
To inspire the Uswag scholars to strive more for excellence, the city mayor gives out cash incentives to those who graduate with Latin honors.
So far, 315 Uswag scholars finished their college degrees with Latin honors – Cum Laude, 233; Magna Cum Laude, 79; Summa Cum Laude, three.
According to the city mayor’s Special Assistant for Education, Maria Mathilde Treñas, the city government does not end its support on just giving cash aid; it also helps these scholars find employment after graduation.
Aleiah Carla E. Delos Santos from Barangay Calumpang, Molo district took up Bachelor of Elementary Education at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She was among the recent Uswag scholars awarded with certificates of recognition and cash incentives.
For Delos Santos, the city government is a big help. Her mother became a solo parent after her father died in a tragic bicycle accident when she was just six years old.
“It’s been a privilege to have a supportive father in Mayor Treñas to help us sustain our education. Thus, we strive to do our best,” said Delos Santos.
She thanked the city mayor for taking great pride in the Uswag scholars’ academic achievements.
“You’ve been one of the backbones in our lives’ successes,” added Delos Santos.
BUILDING, IMPROVING SCHOOL FACILITIES
Also part of the city government’s support to education is the provision of school buildings, school facilities and learning materials.
According Ms. Treñas, the city mayor’s commitment to education is all-encompassing because it covers programs for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and basic education, too.
Since 2019, Mayor Treñas has established more daycare centers in the barangays for young learners.
The city government also continuously extends support to the production of workbooks and other learning materials, employing daycare workers with benefits and allowances, among others.
All of these promote the value of education to the younger Ilonggo generation, said Mayor Treñas.
Providing classrooms and buildings as well as upgrading facilities and equipment is a priority because he believes these will maximize the learning potentials of students.
The Iloilo City Community College and the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) are also testaments to the city government’s consciousness on the importance of education.
These two institutions have already produced and changed the lives of thousands of graduates who availed themselves of free education.
Last school year, ICCC offered two courses – Bachelor of Science (BS) in Tourism Management and BS in Office Administration.
In a bid to expand its college curriculum, two additional free courses were added – BS in Special Needs Education and BS in Criminology.
True to giving education for all, the city government also has a scholarship for city hall employees pursuing post-graduate studies.
“Nakita ni Mayor nga ang education is continuous learning, amo na nga sa tanan nga gusto gid, ginasuportahan ya,” Ms. Treñas said.
LIBRARY HUB PER DISTRICT
Also part of the city’s efforts to provide much improved learning resources is putting up library hubs in each of the city’s six districts.
The Iloilo City Public Library is the main one. It is currently housed at the Graciano Lopez Jaena Shrine and Learning Center in Jaro district.
Mayor Treñas believes that library hubs in every district of the city will make the city’s library services more accessible and closer to everyone, especially students.
A new but temporary library has opened in Arevalo district, at the second floor of Sta. Filomena Day Care Center.
The city is restoring the old house of Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña as the permanent location of the Arevalo library.
For the City Proper, the city is repairing and improving a building to be transformed into a library hub on General Luna Street.
The other libraries to be set up will be in La Paz district (to be located inside La Paz plaza).
Meanwhile, the city’s efforts get a big boost from the private sector through donations of computer sets, books and other learning materials./PN
