For the Iloilo City Government, investing in education goes beyond providing school supplies—it means continuously improving schools, supporting teachers, and creating better learning opportunities for every Ilonggo learner.
As School Year 2026-2027 officially opened, the city government launched the distribution of free school supplies under the ISKUL (Initiative to Share Kits that Uplift Learners) Program, benefiting more than 75,000 learners from Kindergarten to Senior High School in all public schools across the city.
But according to Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, the city’s commitment to education extends far beyond learning kits.
This year, 51 out of Iloilo City’s 66 public schools will benefit from various development projects funded through the Special Education Fund (SEF), addressing priority needs identified by school administrators themselves. The projects include classroom construction, repairs, facility improvements, and other interventions aimed at creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for students.
Mayor Treñas emphasized that these projects are made possible through the proper utilization of local revenues, particularly the SEF, which receives a portion of Real Property Tax (RPT) collections.
The mayor said the city government remains committed to ensuring that no school is left behind.
“As promised, no school in Iloilo City will be neglected. We listened to our principals and allowed them to identify the projects that would have the greatest impact on their learners and school communities,” Mayor Treñas said.
Looking ahead, Iloilo City is also exploring ways to expand educational assistance. Mayor Treñas revealed that the city government is studying the possibility of providing free school bags to public school learners beginning next school year.
Moreover, Iloilo City continues to strengthen access to learning through community-based educational facilities. The city has established four Mobile Outdoor Libraries in Plaza Libertad, Molo, Jaro, and Mandurriao, in partnership with the private sector, as well as major learning hubs such as the Dr. Graciano López Jaena Learning Resource Center and Museum, the Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña District Library, and the Justice Delfin Jaranilla Library. The city has also converted portions of seven daycare centers into reading and study facilities, with additional ECCD and Reading Centers in Calumpang and Ungka set to open soon.
The city’s support for education also extends to public school teachers, who may benefit from housing opportunities under the city’s housing programs, subject to established application and eligibility requirements.
For Mayor Treñas, these initiatives demonstrate how local revenues are translated into tangible benefits for communities.
“Every peso entrusted to the city government must create meaningful impact,” she said. “When taxpayers contribute, they deserve to see where their money goes—and in Iloilo City, it goes to better schools, better facilities, and better opportunities for our children.”
Through sustained investments in education, Iloilo City affirms that learning remains one of the strongest foundations of a progressive, inclusive, and future-ready city.IMT
