ILOILO City – One significant factor in Iloilo City’s development and success are its leaders working hand in hand. One name that has become integral for these achievements, alongside Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, is the seasoned and humble Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.
With Treñas at the executive helm and Ganzon leading the city’s legislative body, Iloilo City has crafted and implemented ordinances and programs that greatly benefit the welfare of the Ilonggos and drive the city’s progress.
“As the mayor of Iloilo City, achieving our goals has been made easier because of the invaluable support of our City Council, led by Vice Mayor Ganzon. I am deeply grateful to Vice Mayor Ganzon and our dedicated councilors for their teamwork and commitment to the welfare and progress of our city,” said Treñas.
For almost eight years already, Ganzon has served as the Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. As the head of the council, Ganzon takes pride in the significant legislative accomplishments made during his tenure, that have contributed to Iloilo’s good governance track record.
A total of 2,440 ordinances and 8,525 resolutions have been successfully enacted since 2017 under Vice Mayor Ganzon. These measures have not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for sustained development of the city.
Among the impactful legislations or ordinances during Ganzon’s tenure were authored by his fellow Uswag legislators such as Romel Duron, Rudolph Ganzon, Jose Maria “Miguel” Treñas, Sedfrey Cabaluna, Frances Grace Parcon-Torres, Ely Estante, Johnny Young, and Irene Ong. These include:
* Adopting the Iloilo City energy code to enhance energy efficiency and conservation
* Supporting community and academe-based startup development
* Amending the Benigno Aquino Avenue Bike Lane Regulation Ordinance
* Approving the enhanced Local Public Transport Route Plan (LTRP)
* Mandating public utility companies to place wires and cables underground within the confines of all plaza complexes, Sun Burst Park, B.S. Aquino Avenue, Mandurriao Iloilo City and all heritage sites in Iloilo City
* Creating the Iloilo City Gastronomy and Food Industry Development Council
* Naming Iloilo North Bank Roads to Iloilo Sunset Boulevard
* Establishing the Iloilo City Animal Welfare Council and promoting animal welfare
* Amending the comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance
* Promoting local tours by allowing the use of LGU-owned vehicles with prescribed fees
Ganzon’s strong support to these legislations highlights his commitment to energy efficiency, public transport, community development, animal welfare, and tourism in Iloilo City.
Meanwhile, among Ganzon’s many achievements, his proudest is his work in advancing education. Understanding the vital role education plays in securing the future for the city’s children, Ganzon championed the establishment of the Iloilo City Community College and the implementation of free tuition for elementary and high school students.
Iloilo City reaped these benefits even ahead of national legislation, and Ganzon aims to expand the city’s scholarship program to include more deserving students from every barangay in the city, starting now.
Norhana Salem from Barangay Buhang, Jaro district is one of the many lives touched by Vice Mayor Ganzon. As a former scholar of the vice mayor during her studies, she considers herself extremely fortunate to have had him as a benefactor.
“Wala ni kabalo ang iban, pero scholar nya ako and I am very fortunate nga natapos ko ang pag eskwela ko tungod sa iya,” she shared.
Finishing her studies not only benefited her personally but also her family, as it enabled her to secure a job that now supports them.
“Daku gid ang impact ni Vice Mayor because nakatapos gid ako sang akon pagtuon. Kag right now I have a stable job, naka-plastar na ako kag tungod sina naka-help ako sa family ko tungod sa bulig ni Vice Mayor sa akon,” she added.
Ganzon’s leadership extends beyond legislation. He has also been a proactive advocate for public health and emergency preparedness. Understanding the critical importance of these areas, he has equipped barangays with oxygen tanks and donated 12 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Pulse Oximeters to the Iloilo City Emergency Responders (ICER). These tools have significantly enhanced the city’s ability to respond to emergencies and ensure the well-being of its residents.
Looking ahead, in partnership with Inday Raisa Treñas and the entire Team USWAG, Ganzon, armed with his seasoned leadership, has vowed to advocate for more policies that will uplift and empower the Ilonggos. As he reintroduces himself to the public, Ganzon remains resolute in his mission to deliver impactful programs that drive Iloilo City’s continued progress.
The Ganzon and Treñas tandem has exemplified what true public service entails—achieving results that speak louder than words./PN
