ILOILO City – Steering the wheels of development for this southern city continues with Mayor Jerry P. Treñas leading the way, guided by a transitional roadmap.
In his State of the City Address (SOCA) yesterday, the city mayor bared a transitional blueprint dubbed as “Iloilo City… The Way Forward” – a grand roadmap towards an aimed destination – to position Iloilo City among the Top 3 Most Competitive Highly-Urbanized Cities in the Philippines by 2028.
“Four years of navigating the roadmap we created in 2019, WHEELS (Welfare, Health and Sanitation, Education, Environmental Management, Livelihood, and Sustainability) for Inclusive Development, we have seen a lot of progress, but it doesn’t stop there. Because for every single dream I have for Iloilo City that turns into reality, sprouts another,” said Treñas.
The city mayor envisions Iloilo City as a model of a livable, sustainable and resilient city of well-governed and empowered Ilonggos that safeguard the environment and preserve the culture while sustaining a robust, inclusive, and innovative economy.
“This endeavor isn’t about mere hopes; it is a commitment to harnessing the potential that lies in our city and its people. In its essence, this vision stands as a testament to our collective ambition of becoming one of the most competitive livable cities in the country,” he stressed.
Treñas said the city’s roadmap for success is guided by four pillars – Environmental Sustainability, Resilient Infrastructure, Innovative Economic Development, and Responsive and Inclusive Human Development.
Under Environmental Sustainability, Treñas cited notable green projects that promote environmental sustainability such as the Beach Forest, Lanit Tree Park, the mangrove eco-park, and the redevelopment of plazas.
“By fostering green spaces, promoting waste reduction, and advocating for clean energy alternatives, we have taken crucial steps to ensure a healthier, more vibrant Iloilo,” Treñas stressed.
For Resilient Infrastructure, the city mayor stressed the city did not only rebuild what was lost but fortified infrastructures to withstand the test of time and nature.
Treñas vowed to improve the walkability of city sidewalks, introduce the Bike Sharing System through a mobile application, adapt electric vehicles as part of green transport, and implement a comprehensive urban drainage plan that will lessen flooding.
Under Innovative Economic Development, the city has embraced innovation as the driving force behind its growth. Treñas said by nurturing local businesses, attracting investments and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, a dynamic environment that breeds success have been created.
He cited ongoing market developments, digital systems for markets, national and international promotion of investments in Iloilo City, new real estate developments, and (the most recent) international container shipments continue to drive economic developments.
Furthermore, Treñas t outed the city’s Uswag Negosyo Academy for market vendors to upgrade their operations, digitalize their services and make them financially literate.
“Our commitment to innovation has transformed Iloilo into a hub of opportunities, propelling us towards our goal,” he emphasized.
The Responsive and Inclusive Human Development pillar, meanwhile, is focused on uplifting every city resident. Housing projects for the urban poor are the city’s most noteworthy projects relative to this. Backlogs are being addressed and those really deserving of housing units are being identified.
Treñas added that providing accessible education, quality healthcare, and inclusive social services empower the citizens to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the city.
“Our journey towards success is marked by the strides we have taken to ensure that no one is left behind,” Treñas said.
Moreover, Treñas is also poised to empower barangays through strengthened engagement and enhanced collaboration.
“By ensuring that their voices are heard through feedback mechanisms, needs are met and aspirations are acknowledged. We are building a city that thrives from the grassroots up,” he stressed.
For the fourth pillar which is Re-Engineering Organizational Structure and Human Resource System, Treñas emphasized that a resilient city requires a resilient administration.
He believes that by strengthening the human resource system, the city is investing in its most valuable asset – its dedicated public servants.
“With a workforce that is equipped, motivated, and aligned with our goals, we are laying the foundation for excellence,” he pointed out.
Furthermore, Iloilo City is also poised to becoming a technologically advanced city, have an effective and efficient resource management, thereby becoming a model city of transparent and excellent governance.
Treñas is also proud of his administration’s achievements – the awards and recognitions such as the following:
* CITYNET Executive Committee Member
* 2022 Galing Pook Winner
* 1st Place Most Improved Highly-Urbanized City
* 1st Place Government Efficiency Highly Urbanized City
* 3rd Place Resiliency Highly-Urbanized City
* Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for Distinguished Local Government Units
* Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence for LDRRM
* 1st Place Kaunlarang Pantao Award
* Bayanihan Service Award
* 3rd Place Winner Outstanding LGU Highly-Urbanized City 2022 National Literacy Award
* Top 3 Gawad Edukampyon for Early Childhood Care and Development
* Special Citation Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards
On the other hand, Treñas also officially introduced during his SOCA the city’s new tourism campaign tagline, “My heart beats in Iloilo City.”
“We aim to establish the city as a vibrant and attractive destination, engaging the local community, and attracting tourists and investors by highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant lifestyle, and growth opportunities. With strong determination, let’s break through the limits, let’s create a future that echoes through time. Together, we’ll set sail on a journey filled with new ideas and we will achieve the goal we have set for 2028,” Treñas told the Ilonggos./PN
