THE RECLASSIFICATION of 14 Iloilo municipalities as first-class towns is a striking milestone. It mirrors the economic progress and fiscal growth these localities have achieved over the years. But the real question remains: how will this new status impact the daily lives of their residents?
For many, the label “first-class municipality” evokes images of progress — better infrastructure, improved public services, and greater access to economic opportunities. Indeed, the additional revenues expected to flow into these municipalities, such as Ajuy, Barotac Nuevo, and Cabatuan, bring the promise of accelerated development. Roads can be paved, healthcare systems expanded, and educational facilities enhanced. These are tangible benefits that ordinary citizens can look forward to.
However, there is another side to the coin. With a higher income classification come higher expectations and potentially higher taxes. Municipalities may need to recalibrate their revenue-generating mechanisms to sustain their new fiscal standing. For residents, this could mean increases in property taxes or business fees. While these adjustments are necessary for development, local governments must tread carefully, ensuring that the burden does not disproportionately affect low-income families.
The promise of economic opportunities also deserves closer scrutiny. Reclassification often signals a more attractive business climate, which can encourage investments and create jobs. Towns like Pavia and Santa Barbara, already hubs of activity due to their proximity to the Iloilo International Airport, are well-positioned to benefit from this. Yet, local governments must ensure that these opportunities are inclusive and that marginalized sectors are not left behind in the rush for progress.
Moreover, improved services will only materialize if governance matches the upgraded status. It is important that these municipalities adopt transparent and participatory planning processes to prioritize projects that directly address the needs of their communities. Programs for social welfare, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience must be given equal attention alongside infrastructure development.
For ordinary citizens, reclassification is more than a badge of honor for their town. It is a challenge to hold their leaders accountable. Will the improved income of their municipality be translated into visible, meaningful changes? Or will it remain a lofty number on paper, disconnected from their everyday struggles?
The success of this reclassification will not be measured by the size of municipal budgets alone but by the lives transformed and the communities uplifted. The hope is that this first-class status becomes not just a label but a lived reality for every Ilonggo.
