ILOILO City –This southern city, under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, has undergone significant transformation and progress. Central to this growth is the mantra “Uswag Iloilo” which embodies the spirit of inclusive development for all.
“Uswag Iloilo” started as a vision in 2001, and with determination Treñas worked to turn it into reality, leading the city toward a future of shared progress.
“A true leader starts with a vision. But if it remains just a vision, it’s a dream. You may die holding onto that dream, but here in Iloilo City, we turn dreams into reality,” Treñas emphasized.
Treñas believes that true progress, or “kauswagan”, should benefit every Ilonggo.
With the support of Team Uswag, the City Council under Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, City Hall employees, and other allies, his administration has launched several key initiatives to ensure that no one is left behind.
One of the key areas of focus is the improvement of various basic social services such as health, education, livelihood, housing and many more.
KAUSWAGAN SA IKAAYONG LAWAS (Progress in Health)
For a mother like Gloria C. Brigoli of Barangay Hibao-an, Mandurriao district who struggles to support her son Alexander Jr. because of his kidney disease and regular dialysis, government support is a lifeline.
Under the Treñas administration, the Iloilo City Government has provided essential financial aid to Alexander when his mother Gloria asked help from the city mayor.
“Sa bulig ni Mayor Treñas, nag hagan-hagan gawa ang akon nga problema sa balayran namon sa dialysis center. Mayor, dako gid ang akon pagpasalamat sa imo tungod nga na buhin-buhinan ang akon nga problema sa akon bata nga gina-dialysis. Madamo nga salamat, mayor!” Gloria emotionally expressed.
Under the USWAG philosophy, Iloilo City has made significant strides in enhancing healthcare facilities and services, ensuring residents have access to quality and accessible medical care.
A key goal is to improve health services by upgrading and constructing new facilities such as the following:
* Uswag Molecular Laboratory – offers free swab tests, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; accredited by the Department of Health and recognized by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The lab personnel are already trained to test measles, HFMD (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease), and cholera and just waiting for approval from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to issue results.
*Uswag Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostic Center – provides reduced-fee services for indigent residents
* East Baluarte Dialysis Center and Uswag San Isidro Dialysis Center – These landmark projects offer free dialysis treatments to indigent residents, easing the financial burden of medical care.
* Uswag Physical Rehabilitation Center (Molo) – offers comprehensive services for Ilonggos to regain body functions lost due to medical conditions or injuries. Opened on August 28, it provides initial patient assessments and specialized treatments with adaptive equipment and compassionate support.
* Uswag Nutrition Center – strengthens the city’s nutrition program for children; partners with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-6 and Florete Group of Companies to produce enhanced nutribun (e-nutribun) and other nutritious feeding mixes.
* Uswag Iloilo Hospital and Medical Arts Building – a dream hospital currently under construction; aiming to address the healthcare needs of indigent residents
* Super Health Center (Arevalo) – planned facility aimed at alleviating hospital occupancy, offering a range of services including birthing, laboratory tests, TB-DOTS, an animal bite center, and dental services; it will also be equipped with dialysis unit and will provide medical consultation as well
* Uswag Mental Health Center – soon-to-rise facility that aligns with the city’s vision of prioritizing mental health. The city actively addresses mental health needs through various programs under the RAISE Mental Health Program.
* Uswag District Pharmacies – In addition to the one at the City Health Office at City Hall, district pharmacies are planned to be established at different health centers.
Moreover, five district health centers in Molo, Mandurriao, Sto. Rosario, Jaro 1, and Bo. Obrero have been accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to offer the Konsulta primary health care package, bringing the program closer to the community.
KAUSWAGAN SA PALANGABUHIAN (Progress in Livelihood)
In addition to healthcare initiatives, the Treñas administration prioritizes empowering marginalized sectors, such as market vendors, ensuring they thrive amid city redevelopment projects.
Through the Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA), hundreds of market vendors have received training to enhance their business and customer service skills.
One of the UNA trainees, F.G. Macariola, highlighted the significant impact of these efforts, noting that the redevelopment of the markets will create clean, attractive spaces that draw more customers and tourists, ultimately helping vendors upscale their businesses.
More than just empowerment, Macariola emphasized the administration’s genuine care and support through training and financial aid, feeling reassured that vendors are not forgotten amid progress.
“Wala niya kami nakalimtan nga mga vendors,” he gladly expressed.
Aside from UNA, “tRAIbaho Ilonggo” is another program which aims to empower the Ilonggos with skills and knowledge for livelihood and job opportunities.
These transformative programs provide sustainable means of living for city residents, not just temporary assistance.
Through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) TUPAD program and the Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) job fairs, thousands of Ilonggos have secured employment opportunities.
From January to December 2024, the PESO employment Information System reported a total of 13,069 job applicants participated in 20 job fairs, 68 Local Recruitment Activities (LRAs), and 21 Special Recruitment Activities. Additionally, in just three months, 12,795 individuals secured employment and were successfully deployed to their respective jobs.
This holistic approach to livelihood and job creation reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive progress and the well-being of its residents.
KAUSWAGAN SA EDUKASYON (Progress in Education)
Treñas views education as a vital foundation for progress and empowerment. Through various programs, he has made significant investments in education.
One of the landmark programs is the Uswag Scholarship Program, launched in 2010, which has supported over 27,000 scholars by providing financial aid to underprivileged but deserving Ilonggo students. This, Treñas underscored, will remain a priority.
“It’s been a privilege to have a supportive father in Mayor Treñas. He’s one of the reasons for our success,” said Uswag scholar Aleiah Carla E. Delos Santos, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Elementary Education at West Visayas State University (WVSU).
The mayor’s commitment to education also includes programs for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and basic education, with 202 modern ECCD centers built.
The city government supports workbooks, learning materials, and daycare workers with benefits. Classroom and facility upgrades are priorities to maximize student potential.
These efforts earned the city the Gawad Edukampyon para sa Lokal na Pamahalaan award for an outstanding ECCD program.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Community College (ICCC) and the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) provide free education and have produced thousands of graduates.
In 2023, ICCC introduced new programs, including BS in Tourism Management, BS in Office Administration, BS in Special Needs Education, and BS in Criminology.
The city is also enhancing learning resources by setting up library hubs, with seven public libraries in operation and more planned. Private sector donations include books, computers, and learning materials.
Additionally, the city’s sports program for the youth, the Iloilo City Sports Academy, was a national finalist for the Galing Pook Award in 2023 and 2024.
KAUSWAGAN SA PABALAY (Progress in Housing)
The Iloilo City Government continues to work on housing projects to provide decent and affordable homes for Ilonggos, particularly informal settler families.
As part of its efforts to reduce the housing backlog, 8,579 homeless families have been provided with housing units.
The city has established 33 relocation sites, including the newly inaugurated Kauswagan Residences in Barangay San Isidro, a P248-million, four-story, 120-unit condominium developed by SMDC. The project, which benefitted low-salary grade city government employees, was turned over in October 2024.
With an estimated backlog of more than 20, 000 units, the city government is pursuing more projects. A recent MOA with Phinma Property Holdings Corporation will add 2,000 units under the 4PH program.
Two other 4PH projects include Eon Realty’s 13 towers 10-storey with 1,677 units and Ethan Property’s seven five-story condos with 834 units.
The city has acquired 933,940 square meters of land, worth P362,144,423.60, for these initiatives.
The Iloilo City Local Housing Office (ICLHO) was created to improve and upscale the implementation of housing programs and projects.
KAUSWAGAN SA PALIBOT KAG KALINONGAN (Progress in Environment and Peace)
Environmental sustainability is another pillar of the USWAG mantra. Treñas has championed initiatives aimed at preserving Iloilo City’s natural beauty and promoting eco-friendly practices, such as waste management programs, regreening projects, and the creation of green spaces within the city.
As a result, the city has earned more prestigious international recognitions.
One such honor was the special citation “Livable City Award” for its outstanding efforts in enhancing urban livability through innovative programs and sustainable urban planning. This was awarded in November 2024 during the 3rd CityNet-United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) City Awards.
Following its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in November 2023, Iloilo City also received the 2024 ASEAN Smoke-Free Award Gold Category from the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA).
Iloilo is the only Philippine city to be listed among the World’s Top 18 Fitness-Friendly Cities. The city was praised for its extensive bike lanes, bike-friendly infrastructure, and scenic views along the Iloilo River Esplanade, making it a haven for cycling enthusiasts and fitness buffs.
Moreover, the Iloilo River Esplanade was recognized at the Asian Townscape Awards (ATA) as one of Asia’s leading urban landscape models.
Treñas’ dedication to inclusive progress has earned him the admiration and support of Ilonggos and even fellow leaders. His leadership has not only brought tangible improvements to Iloilo City but also instilled a sense of pride and hope among its residents.
Under his guidance, the mantra of USWAG continues to inspire and drive the city toward a brighter, more inclusive future./PN
