Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has called for stronger housing programs and measures to keep the cost of living affordable as the city continues to attract investors and prospective residents.
Speaking at the Iloilo Urban Living Summit organized by the city government on Tuesday, Sept. 29, Treñas said the city should remain open to new investments to sustain economic growth and generate jobs.
“If we gatekeep our city, and growth and development will remain stagnant. Wala masulod, wala ta new investments,” she said.
However, Treñas stressed the need to balance economic expansion with affordable housing and living costs to ensure that local residents can benefit from the city’s development.
The mayor cited the city government’s PASILONG Program, which offers housing options such as socialized housing, apartment-type units, condominiums and rental housing for people in need of shelter.
Treñas said housing initiatives should not be limited to relocation programs for the most vulnerable sectors but should also address the needs of workers and middle-income families.
The summit also tackled housing compliance, safety, property improvements, technology, energy and accessibility, with discussions aimed at improving rental communities and sustaining Iloilo City’s livability and readiness for investment.
Treñas said investments should bring not only more businesses and employment opportunities but also a wider range of housing options for Ilonggos.IMT
