Iloilo city: Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry on Wednesday led the Team Sweden delegation to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Iloilo City on economic development, including public transport, and explore more areas of collaboration. Ferry expressed interest in understanding the priorities of Mayor Raisa Tre±as and Iloilo City, aiming to identify areas for development or ongoing programs where Sweden could provide support.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sweden, through its development finance institution Swedfund, has recently agreed to provide up to 6 million Swedish Krona (roughly PHP30 million) in grants for feasibility studies on the integrated public transport system project in Metro Iloilo. This partnership intends to explore how the city and surrounding local government units can develop an integrated bus transit system to enhance commuting for Metro Iloilo City's residents and contribute to the city's goal of becoming more livable.

The initiative also seeks to demonstrate how data-driven and efficient public transport solutions can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate congestion, and improve accessibility in Iloilo City. A contract was signed in August between Sweco, a Swedish engineering consultancy, and the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council for Sweco to conduct a feasibility study, which will propose the phased implementation of an integrated public transport network plan.

During her first visit to Iloilo City, Ambassador Ferry expressed her delight in experiencing the city, noting its walkability, bike-friendly environment, open spaces, parks, and the local cuisine. She attended the first State of the City Address by Mayor Tre±as, accompanied by Swedfund project manager Louise Bernander.