ILOILO City –A fresh vision is taking shape in this southern city — one that places the strength and well-being of every Ilonggo family at its core.
Mayoralty candidate Raisa Treñas, popularly known to the Ilonggos as Inday Raisa, a woman of determination and compassion, steps forward with a promise to empower Ilonggo families and ensure that progress is felt in every home and community.
“I hope to be a mayor that blends the strength of a father with the caring nature of a mother,” Raisa declared during the Team Uswag’s proclamation rally entitled “Padayon sa Kauswagan.” She vowed to embody a leadership style that is both decisive and nurturing.
Notably, Raisa’s candidacy, along with re-electionist Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and the whole Team Uswag, is officially endorsed by no less than former Sen. Franklin M. Drilon.
As the daughter of incumbent Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Raisa commits to carry forward a legacy of excellence and innovation.
“I am my father’s daughter: decisive, forward-thinking, sometimes stubborn, and always determined,” she proudly told the over 40,000 Team Uswag supporters who filled the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and the Muelley Loney stretch towards Drilon Bridge.
Under the leadership of Mayor Treñas, Iloilo City has transformed into a modern, progressive, and multi-awarded metropolis — a city that every Ilonggo can be proud of.
“And I am inspired by all of you, kay sa pila ka tuig waay gid kamo nagbulag sa kawsa sang akon nga amay para sa kauswagan sang syudad sang Iloilo. Ang akon nga handom padayunon ang ina nga legasiya. My father built a modern, progressive and multi-awarded Iloilo City that we can all be proud of. Padayunon ta ini paagi sa pagpabaskog sang pamilyang Ilonggo,” Raisa vowed.
She is bringing a fresh and unique perspective. As a wife and mother, she deeply understands the concerns of families and the importance of securing a bright future for the next generation.
Her commitment to empowering Ilonggo families goes beyond temporary solutions.
While acknowledging the value of ayuda, she emphasizes the need for long-term strategies that provide sustainable livelihoods.
“I prefer long-term solutions — livelihoods that can sustain every family’s needs,” she said.
During her stint in the City Hall, as volunteer at the onset and later on as executive assistant, Raisa took the lead in providing care during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by mobilizing more than 240 Uswag Community Kitchens and Uswag Kitchen Patrol to serve meals to thousands of Ilonggo families and frontliners affected by the global health crisis.
This not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered a sense of solidarity and support within the community.
Raisa played a key role in improving the lives of Ilonggos through impactful programs. She prioritized the JPT Ediscape, a communal vegetable gardening initiative, in collaboration with City Hall departments.
Building on its success, she launched the RISE-A-FARM program, a holistic, eco-friendly effort to fight hunger and promote agricultural growth, embodying her vision for a sustainable and inclusive Iloilo City. This initiative even gained recognition as national finalist for Department of Social Welfare and Development and Galing Pook’s Walang Gutom Awards 2023.
Likewise, education is another focus of her vision. Raisa vows to support the education of children from elementary to college, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
She contributed to empowering USWAG Scholars; spearheaded livelihood initiatives such as tRAIbaho Ilonggo and Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA); supported young Ilonggo athletes through Iloilo City Sports Academy, which was also a Galing Pook finalist in 2023 and 2024; and introduced programs like LaygayLayi, Legal Consultation, USGWAPS, and the RAISE: Mental Health Program.
She also highlights the importance of affordable food and nutrition, recognizing that healthy and intelligent children are the foundations of a brighter future.
“Every family should rise and shine,” she affirms as she promises to listen to the concerns of her constituents and act swiftly to address their needs. Her leadership will be defined by inclusivity, compassion, and a relentless drive to uplift every Ilonggo family.
“The progress of Iloilo will continue, but I will make sure that every Ilonggo family will also benefit and feel the progress,” she vows.
With a vision rooted in family empowerment and a heart dedicated to service, Raisa stands ready to lead Iloilo City into a future where every family thrives.
Her message is clear: the strength of Iloilo lies in the families, and together, they will build a city that shines brighter than ever before./PN
