Mayor Raisa Treñas underscored the importance of synergy, organizational reform, and strategic alignment during the Strategy Alignment Seminar-Workshop with City Hall department heads and office leaders, conducted in partnership with the Institute of Solidarity in Asia (ISA).
The two-day workshop forms part of the city’s continuing implementation of its Rise-to-Action Strategic Roadmap.
“This is aligned with our strategic planning. We have many plans and programs, but sometimes departments work in silos,” Mayor Treñas.
She emphasizing the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination.
“We are here today because we want to internalize our roles. We want everyone to understand their functions and work in synergy. We cannot operate separately. After all, we are one Iloilo City Government,” she stressed.
The mayor recalled that ISA was first engaged in 2022 to assist the city in refining its strategic planning process, which led to the formulation of RISE Iloilo 2028. The roadmap outlines Iloilo City’s vision of becoming one of the Top 3 Most Livable Cities in the Philippines.
However, she emphasized that achieving this ambition requires organizational development reforms.
“We cannot implement new programs and projects using old organizational structures if we are aiming higher,” she said.
The city’s partnership with ISA builds on its legacy of good governance reforms first initiated during the administration of former Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, when Iloilo City earned international recognition, including the prestigious Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame for Executing Strategy in local governance, the first Philippine city to be given such award in 2010.
Mayor Treñas emphasized that the workshop aims to realign thinking and renew commitment to the city’s shared aspirations.
The mayor also highlighted Iloilo City’s pioneering housing initiatives, which have drawn national media attention. Currently, the city has multiple ongoing housing developments, including RISE Batiano and Westville Residences, as well as affordable rental housing under Iloilo Residences, offering units at accessible rates.
As other local government units begin benchmarking Iloilo City’s best practices, the mayor emphasized the need for continuous innovation.
“We are here for public service—with purpose and dedication to our people. I will make sure that your programs are supported and implemented,” she assured department heads.
To further strengthen collaboration, the city will enhance inter-departmental coordination and convert underutilized office spaces into shared meeting and co-working areas to promote collaboration and efficiency. (Iloilo City PIO)
