SOCA 2026: Treñas reports expanded programs, billions in investments

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa S. Treñas reported the expansion of the city government’s flagship programs from 42 to 45, alongside billions of pesos in investments and millions in funding for public services, as she presented her administration’s accomplishments during her 2026 State of the City Address (SOCA) on October 26.

Anchored on the theme “Ilonggo: Sentro sang Progreso kag Serbisyo” (People-centered Progress and Community-driven Service), Treñas highlighted accomplishments in healthcare, education, employment, housing, infrastructure, tourism, disaster resilience, peace and order, and economic development during her first year in office.

She said her administration remains focused on bringing government services closer to residents and addressing their medical, financial, livelihood, housing, and educational needs.

“As a public servant, importante gid sa akon nga gapamati ako sa aton pumuluyo para mabal-an ta kun ano ang ila kinahanglan,” Treñas said, emphasizing her open-door policy and commitment to listening to constituents.

Healthcare programs reach thousands

The city government’s ATIPAN Center, which provides medical, financial, burial, and other forms of assistance, had served more than 34,000 beneficiaries as of September 30.

Through ATIPAN-on-the-MOVE, the city brought frontline services to four barangays, reaching nearly 4,000 residents in one month.

The HAPLOS health assistance program released P21.6 million to 1,149 beneficiaries as of October 21. Meanwhile, the Maayo Ilonggo and Maayo Med free medicine programs had assisted more than 90,000 beneficiaries as of October.

The city also allocated P20 million for MediSen Plus, a program providing free maintenance medicines to senior citizens and persons with disabilities diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. More than 8,000 beneficiaries had registered as of the address.

Distribution of medicines was scheduled to begin on October 29, by batch and district, starting with City Proper.

Employment, business investments boost economy

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) helped nearly 40,000 Ilonggos secure employment, recording a 97.21% placement rate.

Newly registered businesses generated P7 billion in investments in 2025 and another P5.61 billion as of July 2026. Business renewals also increased by 6.53% to 17,770 during the same period.

The administration’s P60-million Kabulig Pangkabuhayan Emergency Employment or KAYA Program benefited more than 15,000 residents across three batches.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the SIGE Asenso program provided entrepreneurship training to 1,639 participants since August 2025. Another 656 entrepreneurs completed the Negosyo Development Academy, formerly known as the Uswag Negosyo Academy.

These initiatives form part of the city’s efforts to expand employment opportunities, strengthen small businesses, and improve household livelihoods.

Scholarships doubled, school assistance expanded

In education, the Uswag Scholarship Program doubled its annual beneficiaries from 1,500 to 3,000 scholars.

More than 75,000 kindergarten to Grade 12 students also benefited from the I-SKUL free school supplies program. The city plans to expand the assistance next school year to include school bags, uniforms, and shoes.

Treñas also announced plans to expand the Iloilo City Community College through a new campus at Fort San Pedro in City Proper. The facility is expected to offer additional courses, including information technology and hotel and restaurant management.

The city government is likewise planning improvements to the sports facilities at the YMCA, including its courts and swimming pool, to provide schools and young athletes with safer and more accessible training venues.

Housing projects target more than 2,000 families

Under the Pasilong housing program, more than 2,000 families are moving closer to improved housing access through four projects: the Iloilo Residences Public Rental Housing Project in Barangay Sambag, Jaro; the E4PH Condominium Complex in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro; Westville Residences; and Batiano Village.

Treñas said the impact of these initiatives on residents’ lives remains the most meaningful measure of her administration’s performance.

“Bilang isa ka public servant, wala na sang iban pa nga mas rewarding para sa akon kundi ang makita nga madamo sa aton pumuluyo ang nakabenepisyo kag natandog sang aton mga programa,” she said.

Police support, drug-clearing efforts continue

The city allocated P105.3 million in support for the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) for 2025 and 2026. The funding covers police station construction, fuel, training, office equipment, body-worn cameras, motorcycles, and patrol vehicles.

As of September, 125 barangays had been declared drug-cleared, while nine others maintained their drug-free status.

ICPO operations also resulted in the arrest of 865 drug personalities, including 245 high-value targets, and the confiscation of more than P150 million worth of illegal drugs.

Flooding, water supply remain key challenges

Despite the reported accomplishments, Treñas acknowledged that flooding, water supply, traffic congestion, and power availability remain major challenges facing the city.

For flood mitigation, the city continues drainage declogging operations while pursuing a comprehensive drainage master plan supported by science-based hydrologic studies.

From July 2025 to September 2026, the city had declogged 18.4 kilometers of drainage systems.

The administration is also maintaining discussions with Metro Pacific Iloilo Water to address water supply concerns while exploring modular desalination and a modular water treatment plant as possible long-term solutions.

In preparation for a potentially strong to very strong El Niño, the city identified barangays at high risk of water shortages and began deploying static water tanks in priority areas.

The city also earmarked P25 million for solarization projects at essential facilities, including ICARE centers, evacuation centers, and health facilities.

Meanwhile, environmental initiatives under the I-Greens program resulted in the planting of nearly 19,000 mangroves and 4,392 native trees.

Markets, tourism generate economic activity

The city’s redeveloped public markets, which have become benchmarking destinations for other local governments and institutions, recorded 10 million in foot traffic since reopening in late 2025.

The first eight editions of the Calle Real Night Market attracted an estimated 110,000 visitors and generated more than P13 million in sales.

Iloilo City also hosted 179 local, national, and international meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) events, drawing an estimated 115,639 attendees.

These activities underscore the city’s continuing efforts to strengthen its position as a destination for business, tourism, and cultural experiences.

City earns national recognition

On governance, Iloilo City received a second consecutive Unmodified Opinion from the Commission on Audit for its 2025 financial statements.

The city also earned the 2026 Galing Pook Award, its first-ever Resilience Award, the Most Business-Friendly City Award, and five ATOP Pearl Awards, among other recognitions.

Treñas credited city government employees and partners for the achievements but stressed that awards are secondary to improving residents’ welfare.

“Indi ang awards ang pinaka-importante, kundi ang kaayuhan sang aton mga pumuluyo,” she said.

Waste management facility targeted for 2027

For the coming year, the administration committed to sustaining social protection programs, expanding educational opportunities, improving water security, and continuing infrastructure and environmental initiatives.

A key target is the completion and commissioning of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility by the second quarter of 2027, as the city works to strengthen its waste management system.

Treñas also called on residents, businesses, national government agencies, and barangay officials to sustain their cooperation with the city government.

“One year down. Many more dreams ahead,” the mayor said, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to people-centered progress and community-driven public service.