Mayor Jerry Treñas proudly claimed that Iloilo City was able to “survive” and “overcome” the coronvirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In his speech during the inauguration ceremony on Monday, June 27, the reelected mayor commended the efforts of city government employees and the private sector in responding to pandemic-related challenges.

“Allow me to acknowledge the efforts and contribution of the hard working people of the Iloilo City Government who served as my able partners in addressing the crisis effectively and efficiently,” Treñas said.

“On behalf of the Iloilo City Government, I would like also to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the meaningful contribution of the private sector in all our past and present endeavors. All these made us survive and overcome the pandemic,” he further said.

Treñas considered the recovery process from the effects of the pandemic as the hardest part.

“To say that Leading at the height of a pandemic is hard, for me, is an understatement. Looking after the health and physical well-being of every Ilonggo was an extra challenge but thinking about how to recover as a community taking into account the various aspects of this health crisis was even harder,” he said.

“The truth is, we need not only respond to health issues, but we also need to have a concrete and comprehensive rebuilding and recovery plan that can address the needs of our people after this pandemic,” the mayor added.

According to Treñas, the pandemic “allowed us to show our strength, courage, and unity as one community.”

“In fact, the rest of the country and the whole world witnessed how the Ilonggos worked together and they even called us the ‘wakanda’ of the Philippines. As we all know, Wakanda is a fictional African country home to the Marvel Comics superhero the Black Panther which boasts incredibly advanced technology,” he said.

“Iloilo in its own little way endeavored to be advanced in terms of crisis response and management which earned the respect and admiration of many. Yet, we will not cease to display our resilience because the fight is not yet over. We are called to be even more optimistic and braver to start anew,” the second-termer mayor stressed.

Treñas assured that the city government “remains committed to be your able partner in securing a better Iloilo for every Ilonggo.”IMT

Photo of Molo Plaza from When in Iloilo Facebook page