In the thriving City of Iloilo, lived a name that echoes across its dwellers —

it is none other than Jerry P. Treñas. An epitome of persistence, integrity

and far-slightness in governance; Treñas is a seasoned public servant now

serving his 5 th year as the Mayor of Iloilo City. It's an inspiring journey of a

brave, law loving student to one of the most respected political figures in

country which simply speaks about his dedication for public service.

THE LIFE, CAREER AND ACHIEVEMENT

Jerry Treñas was brought into the world to a family that esteems schooling

and administration. Raised in Jaro, Iloilo City, he was already immersed

with community and civic works. In 1978, he graduated from Ateneo De

Manila University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Afterwards,

he was hired by Baker McKenzie Law Firm while having pursued law and

graduated with honors from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law

in 1982. He placed 11th in the 1982 Bar Examinations, with an average

score of 88.325%

It was when he was at the university that made Treñas realize what a

labyrinth of complexities law is and how it ripples through society. He

represented his school and forayed into the field of spoken word, where he

debated a lot, which helped to craft his views as well.

A VOYAGE TO PUBLIC SERVICE

Upon finishing his law degree and passing the bar, Jerry P. Treñas went

into practice as an attorney. But his commitment to public service endured.

By the early 1990s, he had entered politics himself by seeking a seat on

the Iloilo City Council. It was the start of a long life in public service serving

Iloilo City and its constituents. But as a councilor, Treñas also etched his

name for being one of the most committed and hardworking public servants

that he could be.

Infrastructure, welfare and education reforms were among many policies to

which he gave passionate advocacy. He had a capacity to connect with

people from all walks of life, and coupled this relational ability with an

unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.

HOW JERRY TREÑAS BECAME THE MAYOR

He is the only person elected to the position of mayor of Iloilo City who won

by a landslide in all precincts in the city (2004 and 2007 elections). During

his helm, in a city where infrastructure was transformed beyond recognition

and cracks were appearing, Treñas succeeded as he worked to make Iloilo

as it should be lived — a city that stands strong despite of the many facets

of challenges.

Observers describe him as a more inclusive and pragmatic leader. He talks

about collaborative governance, often meeting with partners from local

businesses to community organizations. By doing that, he can pursue

policies which are both successful and overwhelmingly popular.

CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS

Mayor Jerry Treñas has encountered challenges just like any other public

servant. His leadership has been put to the test by everything from natural

disasters and political opposition, to economic downturns. But it was in

these darkest hours, revealing a mayor made of sterner stuff.

And the COVID-19 pandemic was yet another crucial moment for Mayor

Treñas and Iloilo City. At a time when public health systems were crumbling

and economies were collapsing, his dispensation adopted immediate

counter-measures such as quarantine setups for people to avoid

contamination. He ensured that service sectors do not get disrupted by

putting essential services to work in race against pandemic; vigorously

tracing contacts and vaccinating massive populace.

His empathetic disposition, reflected in his constant communications with

the masses comforted many and brought a sense of calm to those seeking

security through this crisis.

A VISIONARY LEADER THEN AND NOW

Up to now, Jerry Treñas is still busy in serving as Mayor with a larger vision

beyond current predicament. For him, Iloilo City should be the ideal

sustainable urban development city in the Philippines that serves not only

to achieve economic growth but must preserve nature and social justice.

Among his many green initiatives, his administration has pushed for more

bike lanes and renewable energy sources; it has also made great progress

in advancing the digital governance of its public services to ensure greater

universal access by all citizens. Iloilo City has also gained prominence for

its cultural conservation efforts under his watch. Treñas is a staunch

proponent for the celebration of Iloilo's vibrant heritage, backing festivals

and local arts as well as cultural education.

As such, he is a firm believer that the culture of any city plays an integral

part in shaping its identity and helps develop feelings of pride and

togetherness among inhabitants. Mayor Jerry Treñas is an inspiring story of

dedication, perseverance and a true love for the city itself and its people.

For this, the transformation of Iloilo City and his passion to serve has

inspired a new breed of public servants who consider governance as their

way towards impactful societal change. As Iloilo progresses to the future,

Jerry Treñas'  passion for his constituents and dream a better tomorrow will

definitely live on in time.