ILOILO City – In recent years, Iloilo City has not only maintained its reputation as a hub of excellence but has also achieved transformative milestones, solidifying its place as a trailblazer in urban governance and innovation.
Under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and guided by the visionary Uswag Iloilo platform, the city has garnered an impressive array of accolades over the past six years — tangible results of the administration’s commitment to good governance.
The city mayor attributed these successes to the collective efforts of City Hall employees, the strong support of the City Council, the active involvement of the private sector, and the unity of the Ilonggo community, all striving together toward a brighter and more progressive metropolis.
“Change is not solely the responsibility of a leader. While a leader provides motivation, sets the direction, and envisions the future, it is the collective effort of everyone that play key roles in implementing our vision and turning it into reality,” the mayor stressed.
He highlighted that Iloilo’s remarkable transformation — emerging as an economic powerhouse, a champion of sustainability, and a beacon of livability — is not only demonstrated by awards and infrastructure but also reflected in the tangible improvements to the quality of life of its residents.
OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT
As the local chief executive, Treñas has garnered recognition for his exemplary public service. He was honored twice, in 2021 and 2023, with the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award as a Regional Winner for Outstanding Government Workers by the Civil Service Commission — a testament to his unwavering dedication to good governance and public welfare.
The city mayor also consistently topped the “Boses ng Bayan” performance survey for city mayors in Western Visayas, conducted by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD). In 2023, his transformative leadership and governance were further acknowledged when he was named an Outstanding Public Servant.
PH’S TOP 5 MOST COMPETITIVE AND BUSINESS-FRIENDLY
Under Treñas’ administration, Iloilo City has become a business-friendly and highly competitive urban hub.
Its consistent inclusion among the Top 5 Most Competitive Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines, number one outside the National Capital Region (NCR), highlights this transformation.
Additionally, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has named Iloilo the Most Business-Friendly Highly Urbanized City in Western Visayas and Top 5 in the country.
These achievements underscore a thriving economy, a supportive environment especially for micro small and medium enterprises, and a dynamic landscape that attracts businesses and investments to flourish within Iloilo’s borders.
UNESCO CREATIVE CITY OF GASTRONOMY
Iloilo City proudly holds the distinction of being the first city in the Philippines to be recognized as a Creative City of Gastronomy by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
This prestigious title celebrates the city’s vibrant culinary heritage and its innovative strides in gastronomy, elevating Iloilo’s cultural identity on the global stage.
It has not only attracted tourists but also opened doors for investors and forged partnerships, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a dynamic and culturally rich destination.
ASEAN SMOKE-FREE CITY GOLD AWARD
The city’s efforts to promote health-conscious living also earned it the prestigious ASEAN Smoke-Free City Gold Award.
Given by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) during the ASEAN Health Ministers and Related Meetings in Vientiane, Laos last year, the award is a citation to the city for demonstrating a strong commitment to create a smoke-free metropolis.
The ASEAN Smoke-Free Award is an initiative of the SEATCA given to local government units (LGUs) in the Western Pacific Region that demonstrate a sustained response in tobacco consumption control, including enforcement and awareness advocacy.
GALING POOK AWARDS
From winning the Galing Pook Award for its I-Bike Program which promotes the bike culture in 2022, to receiving two more plaques from the same prestigious award-giving body.
In 2023 and 2024, Iloilo City has been honored as one of Galing Pook Award finalists for its Iloilo City Sports Academy (ICSA), a grassroots sports program that offers free year-round training for children aged 5–17 in 20 sports disciplines.
Aside from ICSA, the city’s anti-hunger initiative dubbed as RISE-A-FARM was also a finalist for Walang Gutom Awards (WGA) 2024.
Organized by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Galing Pook Foundation, WGA honored and replicated the best practices of LGUs in mitigating hunger in their respective localities.
GAWAD KALASAG SEAL
For three consecutive years, Iloilo City has set the benchmark for disaster resilience, earning the coveted “Beyond Compliant” distinction at the Gawad KALASAG Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.
An annual award ceremony recognizing significant initiatives in the promotion and advancement of DRRM in the country, the Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) is presented by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council.
LIVABLE CITY AWARD
The Livable City Award affirms Iloilo City’s position as a model of urban livability.
Given during the 3rd CityNet United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) City Awards held in Iloilo City late last year, the Liveable City Award was given to Iloilo City for its outstanding efforts in enhancing urban livability through innovative programs and sustainable urban planning. A special mention was given to the Iloilo River Esplanade, celebrated for aligning with CityNet’s themes of Inclusivity, Circular Economy, and Resilience.
MOBILITY GOLD AWARD
Iloilo City’s remarkable efforts in promoting active transport have garnered widespread recognition. The city has been honored as a two-time Top Gold Awardee for the Most Bike-Friendly City in the Philippines.
Likewise, Iloilo clinched the gold award as winner of the 2021 Bike Lane Awards.
As it successfully positioned itself as Bike Capital of the Philippines, the metropolis further bolsters its commitment to biking culture through the annual Iloilo Bike Festival, a much-anticipated event that celebrates the city’s advocacy for sustainable and active transport.
FITNESS-FRIENDLY CITY
Committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle, Iloilo City has gained another international recognition as one of the Top 18 Fitness-Friendly Cities in the world.
Cited by Headline Bulletin (hbuk.co.uk), Iloilo City is praised for its extensive bike lanes, bi ke-friendly infrastructure, and scenic views along the Iloilo River Esplanade, making it a haven for cycling enthusiasts and fitness buffs.
ASEAN CLEAN TOURIST CITY AWARD
Iloilo’s commitment to environmental preservation has earned it the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, making it an attractive destination for local and international tourists and boosting the city’s tourism industry.
Moreover, sustainability is at the core of Treñas’ governance, as shown by extensive tree-planting initiatives, regular river clean-up programs, and the proposed construction of an Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility.
EDUCATION CHAMPION, CHILD-FRIENDLY GOVERNANCE
In 2024, Iloilo City was awarded with Gawad Edukampyon for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Highly Urbanized City Category for Local Governance, a celebration of achievements and innovations by various LGUs in championing education and good governance towards national development.
Aside from this, the city is also honored to receive the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance for passing the 2022 and 2023 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit. This recognition reflects the city’s continued commitment to prioritizing the welfare and rights of children in our city.
On top of these awards, the outstanding and best-performing City Hall departments and offices have also earned their respective recognitions./PN
