As Ilonggos head to the polls today, we carry more than just ballots—we carry the weight of the future. This is not just another election day; it is a defining moment, a chance for each of us to shape what kind of Iloilo—and what kind of Philippines—we want to live in.
When we step into those polling precincts, we are not just choosing leaders. We are choosing the kind of progress we want to see. And real progress is never just about shiny roads or tall buildings—it is about the well-being of people, the health of our communities, the dignity of work, and the strength of the local economy.
Voting with Livelihoods in Mind
For decades, the heart of Iloilo has been its farmers, fisherfolk, small business owners, and workers whose hands have built our economy. Yet we know their struggles too well—unfair farmgate prices, outdated tools, limited access to capital, and the pressure of competing with larger players.
Today, we are called to choose leaders who will stand with them, leaders who will invest in agricultural innovation, fair market access, and better rural infrastructure. We need leaders who will not only promise jobs but protect and uplift the livelihoods that have long sustained Iloilo.
Supporting the MSME Backbone
Small enterprises are the lifeblood of Iloilo. From the humble carinderia in Jaro to the family-run hardware store in Pavia, MSMEs are where jobs are created, where local talent is nurtured, and where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives.
But running a business today is not easy. Many small businesses are stretched thin—navigating rising costs, unpredictable markets, and limited digital access. The leaders we elect today can make the difference between mere survival and sustainable growth. They can unlock financing, simplify regulations, and provide the training needed to help local enterprises thrive in a fast-changing world.
A Changing World Needs Brave Leadership
Let’s face it: we are entering an era of transformation. Artificial intelligence, digitalization, and global competition are no longer distant trends—they are here, reshaping industries and jobs across the board.
Ilonggos need leaders who are not afraid to face this new reality. Leaders who understand that while the world changes, we must equip our local sectors to evolve without losing sight of what makes us uniquely Iloilo. We need leaders who can ensure that innovation benefits everyone—not just a privileged few.
Progress That Lifts Everyone
True progress is not just about development projects or investments—it’s about whether families can live with dignity, whether youth can dream big without leaving their hometown, and whether every barangay feels included in the march toward growth.
As we cast our votes, let’s remember that prosperity only matters if it is shared. Let’s choose leaders who will ensure that the gains of economic growth reach the countryside, the coastline, the urban centers, and the remote barangays.
A Day to Shape Tomorrow
As you line up at the polling stations today, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect—not just on the names you will write down, but on the values you want to see in our leaders. Choose those who will care for our local industries, protect our livelihoods, and guide us through the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
We Ilonggos are known for our resilience, our resourcefulness, and our deep sense of community. Let’s bring those values into the voting booth. Let’s choose leaders who will honor our hard work, amplify our talents, and build a future where Iloilo continues to shine—not just as a city of growth, but as a province of shared progress and human dignity.
The future is not something we wait for. It is something we vote for, build, and live every day. Iloilo, let’s make today count.
Ken Lerona is a marketing and branding leader with over 20 years of experience. He conducts talks and workshops for private and government organizations and consults on innovation and reputational risk management. Connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenlerona.
