Iloilo City, under the leadership of Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, is making the most of 2026, earning a string of prestigious national awards that recognize its initiatives in governance, disaster resilience, business development, and tourism.
The recognitions underscore the city’s continuing efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready community while strengthening its reputation as a center for innovation, economic opportunities, and cultural heritage.
Leading the city’s recent achievements is its fourth Galing Pook Award for the Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARE) Center: Decentralizing Risk Governance. Recognized on October 21 at Malacañang Palace, the initiative was also conferred the first-ever Resilience Award by the National Resilience Council, making Iloilo City one of only two local government units nationwide, alongside Baguio City, to receive the distinction.
The ICARE Center strengthens disaster resilience and emergency response through strategically located, district-level hubs, bringing assistance closer to barangays, and serving as a convening platform toward building resilience in the community.
During her 2026 State of the City Address, Mayor Raisa S. Treñas expressed pride in the city’s achievements, recognizing the collective efforts that made these milestones possible.
The mayor emphasized that the recognitions are not just achievements for the city government but victories shared by all Ilonggos.
She said the greater reward is seeing these initiatives bring positive changes to people’s lives through safer communities, stronger local businesses, more opportunities, and wider appreciation of Iloilo City’s culture and heritage.
The city also secured Hall of Fame recognition after being named the Philippines’ 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU in the City Level 1B category by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
Its third win within five years, following recognitions in 2023 and 2025, reflects continuing efforts to streamline government transactions, support micro, small, and medium enterprises, and expand investment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City received top honors in five categories at the 2026 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards in Ormoc City, Leyte.
Among its achievements were Champion for Best Tourism Event for Dinagyang Festival 2025 and Grand Winner for Best Tourism Souvenir (Non-Food) for Modern Ilongga: Preserving Heritage, Empowering Women.
The city also earned two first runner-up distinctions and one finalist citation for tourism promotions and event hosting.
Together, these recognitions reflect the city’s continuing initiatives to strengthen public service, empower local enterprises, protect communities, and promote Ilonggo culture.
More than trophies and titles, they represent the collective efforts of the local government, private sector, civil society, and residents in shaping a city where progress creates opportunities and benefits for every Ilonggo.
