ILOILO CITY (PIA) – For the first time in the city’s political history, Iloilo will be led by an all-women leadership team, as three female leaders have been elected to its highest elective positions—ushering in a new era of inclusive and progressive governance.
The Iloilo City Board of Canvassers officially proclaimed the winners of the recent elections, affirming the victories of reelected Lone District Representative Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda, mayor-elect Raisa Treñas-Chu, and vice mayor-elect Lady Grace Julie “Love” Baronda.
Baronda returns to Congress for her third and final term, where she is expected to continue her efforts to bring more national programs and resources to the city.
In a statement, Baronda expressed gratitude to the public for entrusting her another term to continue bring services and projects for the welfare of Ilonggos and the city.
“Magapadayon kita sa pagserbisyo, sa pagpakigbato sang mga kawsa sang mga kubos nga pumuluyo, kag sa pagtinguha nga maagom sang mga pumuluyo ang bugana nga kabuhi,” she said in a statement.
(We will continue to serve, to fight for the causes of the poor, and to strive so that the people may attain a prosperous life.)
Mayor-elect Treñas-Chu is set to take over the city’s top executive post from her father, outgoing mayor Jerry P. Treñas. While she is new to public office, Treñas-Chu campaigned on a platform of continuity and innovation, promising to build on her father’s legacy while introducing her own vision for inclusive growth and better public services.
Treñas-Chu expressed plans to expand access to free higher education through Iloilo City College, improve the delivery of healthcare services in barangays, and boost job creation through support for local enterprises.
“We will continue and complete the ongoing programs of the current administration, and we will further focus on other programs for the Ilonggo families. Our direction is the same, for the progress of the city. The election is over, let’s get to work,” Treñas-Chu said in a media interview.
On the other hand, vice mayor-elect Love Baronda, a three-term city councilor and younger sister of Rep. Baronda, pledged to support progressive legislation, ensure active engagement between the council and the communities they serve, and deliver her campaign promises.
“I firmly believe that there will always be a way if it is for the betterment of the city. With the right dialogue and the right stakeholders whom we can properly discuss with on how to implement the programs, nothing is impossible,” the younger Baronda said.
Meanwhile, in addition to the proclamation of the city’s three newly elected women leaders, the Iloilo City Board of Canvassers also officially declared the twelve winning city councilors, who will play a vital role in shaping Iloilo City’s development and legislative direction over the next three years.
The elected councilors are Sedfrey Cabaluna, Miguel Treñas, Rex Marcus Sarabia, Alan Zaldivar, Lyndon Acap, Nene Dela Llana, Mandrie Malabor, Johnny Young, Romel Duron, Rudolph Ganzon, Sheen Mabilog, and Frances Grace Parcon. Together, they are expected to craft policies and initiatives aligned with the city’s goals for inclusive growth, responsive governance, and sustainable progress. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
