URBAN LIVING SUMMIT: Iloilo City pushes for affordable housing and inclusive growth

Housing affordability and inclusive growth were the focus of the Iloilo Urban Living Summit 2026, held September 29, 2026, at the Ker & Co. Ltd. Building, where government leaders, developers, and housing experts gathered to shape safer, compliant, and investment‑ready rental communities for the city’s future.

Mayor Raisa Treñas underscored the importance of balancing growth with affordability, stressing that opening Iloilo to national and international investments will generate jobs and livelihood opportunities.

“Everyone wants to relocate in Iloilo. If we gatekeep our city, growth will remain stagnant. But if we open it, there will be employment and livelihood. That is why this summit is very important, to balance development while ensuring affordable housing for Ilonggos,” Mayor Treñas said.

She announced ongoing housing initiatives under the city’s Pasilong Program, including socialized housing projects, apartment-style units, and affordable condominium developments. She also added that two buildings are set to be awarded by December, with four more targeted next year, totaling six condominium projects offering accessible housing options.

The city mayor emphasized affordability, citing units priced at P800,000 for 24 square meters, payable at around P4,000 monthly through Pag-IBIG financing. Rental housing projects are also underway, with 360 condominium-type units to be made available.

“We see you, we hear you, and we are here for you. Our priority is to make sure every sector, from socialized housing to middle-class families, has access to affordable homes,” she added.

The morning discussions highlighted building better rental communities, presented by:
* Atty. Peter Millare – Iloilo City Local Housing Office Department Head
* Jennifer Palmares-Fong – Megaworld Visayas First Vice President for Sales and Marketing
* Guaya Melgar – Mochi Solutions CEO
* Sid Bada – Paymongo Head of Acquiring and Networking Partnerships
While the afternoon program focused on safer, compliant, and value‑adding rentals, with presentations from the following speakers:
* Engr. Ronald Torres – MORE Electric and Power Corp. COO
* IDR Isabella Robles-Go – LIDU Founder and Principal Interior Designer
* FSUPT. Kim Celisio – BFP-Iloilo City Fire Marshal
* Rammy Guintibano – Iloilo City Boarding House Commission Chairman

The summit was organized by the Iloilo City Government, Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, and Better Bosses for Better Business.