The Iloilo City Government and the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILEDF) will bring together government agencies, property owners, developers and other industry stakeholders for the Iloilo Urban Living Summit 2026 on September 29, with discussions focusing on the current state and future of urban living and rental housing in the city.
The summit is expected to gather representatives from the city government, boarding house and dormitory operators, property owners and managers, developers, real estate brokers, technology providers and other stakeholders involved in Iloilo City’s housing and rental sector.
Mayor Raisa S. Treñas said the gathering will provide a clearer picture of the city’s existing living communities and emerging trends as Iloilo continues to grow.
“Gusto naton ma-present kung ano ang status sang aton mga living communities diri, ang aton mga apartments, condominiums kag rental communities, para makita sang mga investors kag sang mga gapangita sang opportunities kung ano ang mga trend sa aton nga urban living situation diri sa syudad,” Treñas said in an interview with RMN Iloilo.
The summit will tackle several issues affecting urban residents and the property sector, including the state of rental housing, property accessibility, digital solutions for billing and payments, property improvements, fire safety and regulatory compliance.
Rental safety in focus
Treñas stressed that ensuring the safety of tenants remains an important responsibility of property owners and operators.
The Iloilo City Boarding House Commission continues to monitor boarding houses and other rental properties to ensure compliance with basic safety requirements, including fire safety regulations.
“Kung nagaparenta kita, aton man responsibilidad nga mahatagan naton sang safety ang aton nga mga renter,” the mayor said.
The Iloilo City Local Housing Office and the Boarding House Commission are expected to provide updates on the city’s housing and rental sector during the summit.
Representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Office of the Building Official will also participate, along with MORE Power, private developers and technology providers.
Power demand amid urban growth
The summit will also discuss the energy and power requirements of a growing Iloilo City.
Treñas said stakeholders in the housing and property sectors should be aware of increasing electricity demand as new developments and communities emerge across the city.
More Electric and Power Corp. President and ILEDF President Roel Z. Castro is expected to provide an industry perspective on the city’s energy requirements and urban growth.
The city government is also encouraging developers and property owners to take part in the discussions to help identify industry concerns and develop practical solutions.
“Ang aton guid nga goal amo nga ma-present naton ang situationer, mapamulso ang industry kag ma-improve naton ang living conditions sang mga Ilonggo diri sa syudad,” Treñas said.
For the city government, improving the housing sector forms part of the broader effort to make Iloilo more convenient and livable for residents.
The city is likewise looking at ways to foster a better business environment for the housing and property sector, making it easier for private investors to develop additional housing and rental options.
Through the Iloilo Urban Living Summit, the city government and ILEDF hope to strengthen public-private collaboration and identify measures to improve the quality, safety and accessibility of rental communities as Iloilo City continues its urban development. (With reports from Iloilo City PIO)
