By Francis Allan L. Angelo
The triumvirate of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, lone district Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon will file their candidacies tomorrow, October 6, 2021 on a high note.
This, as a survey conducted by Random Access Consultants, Inc. (RACI) on September 22, 2021 showed that the three city officials are the top choices of voters at that time.
The survey polled 600 respondents, with 86.2 percent (9 out of 10 respondents) choosing Treñas over two probable rivals – former mayor Joe Espinosa III (6.8 percent) and former councilor Joshua Alim (6.2 percent).
Baronda was the choice of 56.2 percent (6 in 10) of the respondents over three probable opponents.
Former councilor Lex Tupas got 17 percent, Alim got 15.3 percent, and Espinosa with 10.3 percent.
If the race is narrowed down between Espinosa and Baronda, 19 percent were for the former mayor while 72 percent of the respondents chose the latter.
The three top officials were also the choices of majority of respondents in both male and female and across all educational levels, age groups, socio-economic classes, and city districts.
In a statement, Treñas said the survey results mean that Ilonggos appreciate his administration’s agenda and achievements, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mayor said that while his administration is pressed on containing the disease, the local government was also focused on various projects that will level up Iloilo City.
“The people appreciate our efforts to look after their health and welfare, thus their overwhelming support. It is also an indication that they want the current leadership with Rep. Baronda and Vice Mayor Ganzon to continue serving the city,” he added.
In 2019, Treñas anchored his agenda on WHEELS – Welfare, Health and Sanitation, Education, Environmental Management, Livelihood, and Sustainability.
Baronda told Daily Guardian that a united leadership bodes well for the city in terms of accomplishments and continuity.
“If we are on the same page, we can bring a lot of good things to our constituents, and that means continuity of programs and leadership,” she added.
Baronda’s agenda is embodied in H.O.P.E. – Health, Obra (employment), Peace and Order, and Education.
Treñas, Baronda and Ganzon will file their Certificates of Candidacy on Wednesday along with their City Council slate – Dr. Urminico Baronda, Jr., Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna, Punong Barangay Eric David, Atty. Rommel Duron, Coun. Ely Estante, Coun. Rudolph Ganzon, Coun. Jojo Javellana, Atty. Frances Parcon, Atty. Rex Sarabia, Miguel Treñas, Johnny Young and Coun. Allan Zaldivar.
