ILOILO City – Building a better community for the Ilonggos. This is the core vision of Mayor Jerry Treñas who took his oath of office for a fresh three-year term yesterday at Plaza Libertad.
“Towards this, we shall continue not just our usual mandate to deliver basic services. We shall also focus on certain initiatives that will fuel our continuing progress and light the fire of courage in our hearts and minds,” said Treñas in his inaugural speech.
He vowed to make use of the fresh mandate given to him by 187,691 voters to “change our future for the better today.”
Among others, the second-termer mayor made mentioned of the improvement of the city’s public markets to spur economic activities and give entrepreneurs, big and small, the chance to earn and have their products be showcased in a much better home.
Economic activities fuel the city’s growth, thus, the need to proactively support local businesses, Treñas stressed.
“Sakdagon ta ang lokal mga produkto while we continue to become business-friendly to attract investors to bring more money here in Iloilo,” he said.
Also, Treñas said his administration will endeavor to preserve Ilonggo cultural heritage.
Protecting public plazas and other heritage sites is not just a beautification effort but also a commitment to preserve history, he stressed.
“Our ongoing projects to improve the city’s infrastructure are our response to the call to provide an environment for fun, relaxation and mental wellness of our people. Indeed, when we see beautiful things, we become at peace. When we are at peace, life becomes happier and better,” said Treñas.
Treñas also committed to further promote and uphold quality education by making it more accessible to the young. The city government, he announced, is poised to build more libraries for the youth to have a place to study and learn.
Meanwhile, since the coronavirus disease pandemic is far from over, Treñas said having functional health centers is important. The dream of the city to have a hospital for its residents has now becoming a reality, he pointed out
“Today more than ever, we must secure a healthful Iloilo because our people are our strength. Health is wealth as they say and it is our mission to make sure that Ilonggos, especially the less fortunate, have access to basic health services,” he stressed.
The mayor, however, underscored that the city government cannot do this alone; it needs volunteers and the support of the private sector.
To make this happen, there is a need to strengthen public-private partnership even more and continue to collaborate with community councils and organizations, said Treñas.
“Volunteerism should not just be a battlecry or a mere campaign, this should be a way of life,” he stressed.
Treñas acknowledged the contributions of the private sector in past and present endeavors of the city government.
“We are called to be even more optimistic and braver,” he added. “The road ahead shall always be uncertain but one thing is certain, we must begin or start somewhere. Remember that not everyone who started will really succeed but everyone who succeeded definitely at one point started at something.”
He added: “As I start my fresh mandate, I fervently hope and pray that you shall all start with me. We must begin our mission and our job now because we all have the power to change our future today.”
Treñas was joined by his wife Rosalie, their children and in-laws during his oath-taking administered by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Also sworn into office were 12 city councilors, Iloilo City Lone District’s Cong. Julienne Baronda and Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Cong. James “Jojo” Ang.
Zubiri was all praises for Iloilo City, describing it as one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the Philippines.
“Bal-an ninyo man tanan nga ang Iloilo malapit gid sa akon tagipusoon, so it is deeply humbling to be here today. Kaupod ninyo ako sa maga-abot pa nga mga tinuig, magbuligay kita tanan para sa ika-uswag sang Pilipinas, with Iloilo City taking a vital role in the development of the Visayas region,” said Zubiri./PN
