The Iloilo City government reported the rollout of 42 programs during the first six months of Mayor Raisa Treñas’ term, covering initiatives in social services, health, education, housing, economic development, and urban resilience.
Among the programs introduced is RiseABLE, a city-funded Special Education (SPED) and Early Intervention Center aimed at expanding services for children with special needs. The city has also begun land development for Pasilong (Pabalay para sa Pamilyang Ilonggo) in West Habog-habog and San Juan, Molo, as part of its housing initiatives.
In education, the city announced plans for the Iloilo City Community College, with groundbreaking targeted next year at Veterans Village in Fort San Pedro. The project is intended to improve access to higher education for Iloilo City residents.
Health-related initiatives include the expansion of Uswag Pharmacies to nine district health centers and 79 barangay health centers to provide access to affordable medicines. The city is also preparing to implement the Purok Kalusugan Program, which aims to deliver health services at the purok and sitio levels. Additionally, dialysis capacity was increased through the addition of chairs at the city’s two dialysis centers.
On the economic side, the city continues to implement livelihood programs such as Tindahan, Livelihood, and Cart (TLC) ni Inday, Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA), and Sige Asenso, which focus on supporting vendors and small entrepreneurs. Redevelopment projects in public markets are also ongoing. The city government said it is nearing the final phase of public plaza development, which aims to improve open spaces for public use and community activities.
During the same period, Iloilo City received several recognitions, including the Katipunan Award (Mobility Awards), being named Most Business-Friendly City by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and being a Finalist for Most Child-Friendly City in the Philippines.
Mayor Treñas attributed the implementation of these programs to collaboration and public support. “Madamu na kita sang naumpisahan nga mga programa kag mga serbisyo para sa aton mga pumuluyo. Padayon kag pabaskugon pa gid naton ini sa masunod nga tuig,” she said, adding that continued cooperation from stakeholders remains important.
Looking ahead, the city government said it is studying flood-mitigation strategies, including the sponge city concept, and will continue implementing Project TRANSFORM as part of its climate resilience efforts.
Mayor Treñas said the administration plans to build on its initial programs by strengthening social protection, supporting economic growth, and pursuing sustainability initiatives. The city government stated that these efforts are intended to ensure that development initiatives benefit a broad range of Iloilo City residents.
Six months into the current administration, city officials said the focus remains on continuing program implementation and addressing long-term development and resilience goals.