ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is calling for continued support and cooperation for the remainder of his last term as the local chief executive, and for the next administration of this southern city. Scheduled to return to City Hall today after three months on medical leave, he emphasized the importance of sustaining the city’s progress and building on existing strengths.
“For the past five years, or almost six years by June, Iloilo City has been moving very fast forward. Iloilo City is no longer the Iloilo City we knew five to six years ago. We have received many prestigious awards, not only nationally but also internationally,” the city mayor emphasized.
He highlighted that with collective efforts, Iloilo City was transformed into one of the most livable, sustainable, resilient and inclusive local government units (LGUs) and one of the fastest-growing economic powerhouses in the country.
Among the remarkable international awards and recognition that the city has earned since Treñas took over as mayor are the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award; the Philippines’ first Creative City of Gastronomy by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the 2024 ASEAN Smoke-free Award Gold Category given by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA); and the Liveable City Award during the 3rd CityNet-UNESCAP SDG City Awards held in Iloilo City as one of the highlight side events of the 44th CityNet Executive Meeting.
At the national level, Iloilo City has been recognized as the country’s top 4 Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City and top 1 outside the National Capital Region. It has also been declared “Beyond Compliant” for the Gawad KALASAG Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance for three consecutive years.
The city has also reaped awards as the Most Business-Friendly LGU, Galing Pook winner and finalist for various best practices, while some of its offices have been hailed as best performing offices in the country, such as the Public Service Employment Office (PESO), and many more.
“Iloilo has moved forward because we all worked together. This is not just a job of one or two persons or a group. This is a job that was done by everyone,” he added.
He acknowledged the Iloilo City Council headed by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, department heads, assistant department heads, division chiefs, City Hall employees both regular and casual, as well as the private sector.
“We will continue to make sure that governance in Iloilo will be the same so that our residents and citizens will get the kind of government they deserve. The most important thing as to why we are in public service is really to make sure that we will deliver,” the city mayor further underscored.
Likewise, he called on all City Hall employees to give the same support and love to his successor.
“Ang City Hall employees lain-lain nga pulitiko nagpasulod pero dapat basta kaayuhan kag kauswagan sang syudad obra lang aton obrahon para padayon ang pag-uswag sang aton syudad. Bangod nga ang akon pagtan-aw ang syudad maga-umlad kon ang bilog nga city hall nagahulag bilang isa lang,” he underscored.
NEW CHAPTER
As a long-serving public servant for nearly four decades, Treñas looks forward to a new chapter, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to the city of Iloilo and its people.
Reflecting on his journey in public service, starting as a councilor in 1986 at the age of 29, the city mayor expressed his excitement about the future and the opportunities it holds.
He shared that he has requested the lawyers at their law office to clean his room, ensuring he has a space to retreat to if he needs to stay busy. While he plans to enjoy his time away from the rigors of public service, he also intends to share his wealth of experience and expertise with local chief executives seeking his advice and assistance.
“I will be enjoying my six lovely granddaughters as they grow up, and I will also engage in limited law practice. This is my second life, granted by the grace of our Lord, and I intend to enjoy it while I still can,” he shared with heartfelt gratitude.
He reiterated his deepest thanks to the department heads and employees whose dedication and hard work earned remarkable awards that brought pride to the city. He also extended his gratitude to the barangay officials for their unwavering support and partnership in advancing various initiatives.
He also commended the Philippine National Police for their tireless efforts in keeping the city safe and secure while combating criminality, especially illegal drugs. He also thanked the private sector, whose collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the city’s growth, for their trust and commitment.
“Akon lang ginpangabay kag handom nga sige-sigehon ta lang aton pagbinuligay para sa kauswagan kag kaayuhan sang tanan ta nga pumuluyo sa syudad sang Iloilo,” the city mayor added./PN
