Manila: Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his trust and confidence in local government units (LGUs) in accelerating the delivery of government programs and services.
According to Philippines News Agency, in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos recognized the vital role of LGUs in responding to crises and delivering services that directly benefit communities. Mayor Tre±as noted that the President specifically mentioned Iloilo as a pilot beneficiary of Oplan Kontra Baha through the Department of Labor and Employment's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, or DOLE-TUPAD. This acknowledgment signifies the national government's strong confidence in Iloilo City, which is consistently chosen as a pilot area for various government programs.
Mayor Tre±as emphasized the importance of this initiative for Iloilo City, particularly as flooding remains a significant challenge for the local government. She affirmed the city's readiness to collaborate with the national government in implementing Oplan Kontra Baha and other initiatives to enhance flood control measures and protect residents effectively.
Furthermore, Tre±as expressed the city's continued commitment to being an active and reliable partner of the national government in advancing programs aimed at improving the lives and well-being of the community.
Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda echoed the President's sentiments, acknowledging the country's progress while emphasizing the need for further work. She supported the President's call to address the flood control scandal and advocated for proposed tax relief, the removal of systems loss charges from electricity bills, and a review of the nuclear energy program.
Baronda reiterated her commitment to championing legislation that prioritizes the people, ensuring that reforms translate into tangible progress for every Ilonggo and Filipino household.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) reported that the region remained "generally peaceful, orderly and manageable" during the SONA. The positive outcome was attributed to comprehensive security preparations, heightened police visibility, sustained intelligence monitoring, and close coordination with partner agencies, local government units, force multipliers, and community stakeholders. The regional police office ensured that peaceful assemblies across Western Visayas were properly secured, allowing participants to exercise their constitutional rights while maintaining public safety and the uninterrupted flow of traffic and essential services.
