Mayor Raisa Treñas paid tribute to 36 Ilonggos whose work and service have contributed to the city’s development as Iloilo marked its 89th Charter Day.
The honorees included 21 Mayor’s Choice Awardees, five recipients of the Mayor’s Citation, and 10 Outstanding Ilonggos recognized during the Mayor’s Dinner.
Treñas said Iloilo’s progress cannot be credited to a single leader or administration, pointing to the contributions of families, entrepreneurs, educators, professionals, community leaders, public servants and other residents.
“As Mayor, I know that I cannot build a progressive Iloilo alone. Kinahanglan ko gid kamo,” Treñas said.
She said the city’s growth can be seen in improved roads and public spaces, modernized markets and infrastructure, new businesses and jobs, as well as stronger support for micro, small and medium enterprises.
But beyond infrastructure and economic growth, Treñas said her administration wants Iloilo to become a safer, cleaner, more accessible and more livable city where residents can find opportunities and build better lives.
Among those given Mayor’s Citations were Dr. Cynthia P. Palmes-Saloma, Dr. Resurreccion B. Sadaba, Febie S. Ibojos, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and Dr. Kristine Gaona Treñas.
The city also recognized 10 Outstanding Ilonggos namely Dr. Gracia D. Malazarte, Cynthia Concepcion-Baga, Dr. Ramon G. Zarceno, Rhea B. Peñaflor, Lucyl Libutaque-Gulmatico, Gretchen J. Demisana, Ronald R. Latap, Jefferson P. Buenaventura, Alfonso Miguel Lenard Tan and Crisanto A. Añas.
Treñas said their achievements reflected years of hard work and sacrifice, adding that their stories could inspire younger Ilonggos to contribute to their communities.
As a mother, Treñas said she also thinks about the kind of city that the next generation will inherit.
“Ano bala nga Iloilo City ang gusto naton ipanubli sa aton mga kabataan?” she said.
Treñas said she wants children in Iloilo to grow up in a city where they can pursue their dreams, find opportunities and feel safe and secure.
She also stressed that development should not come at the expense of Iloilo’s identity and its people.
“We continue working toward progress with purpose—a city that grows economically without forgetting its people, modernizes while protecting its identity, creates opportunities, and makes sure no one is left behind,” Treñas said.
She thanked the awardees for supporting the city and serving as examples to the next generation.
“The story of Iloilo has never been about one leader, one administration, or one generation. It is a story we write together,” Treñas said.
She urged Ilonggos to continue working together to build a city they can proudly pass on to future generations.IMT
