ILOILO CITY – Team Uswag, led by mayoralty candidate Inday Raisa Treñas and re-electionist Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, showcased its strength and indomitable spirit during its proclamation rally, proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
Over 40,000 strong Ilonggos gathered for the Team Uswag’s Padayon sa Kauswagan kick-off campaign, radiating warmth and energy that even the rain couldn’t dampen.
The supporters at the rally represented only four districts of the city—namely City Proper, Molo, La Paz, and Lapuz. They were composed of Uswag leaders, barangay and SK officials, Blue Angels, and other supporters, who filled up the stretch of Muelle Loney street, particularly from the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, with benches fully occupied, extending towards the Grand Xing area and Drilon Bridge
Addressing the crowd, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas declared it the largest rally he had witnessed in his 39 years of public service.
For him, the overwhelming turnout was a clear testament to the Ilonggos’ strong desire for continued progress for the city and genuine and all-out service to every Ilonggo family, which Inday Raisa, Vice Mayor Ganzon, and the 12 councilorables of the team are committed to carrying forward.
He warned against obstructionist in the City Council.
“We need a straight vote so we can sustain the development of our city. It will be difficult if there are obstructionists in the council because it will hinder the implementation of our projects,” said Treñas as he officially endorsed Team Uswag and Uswag Ilonggo Partylist, led by Partylist Representative Cong. Jojo Ang.
EMPOWERING EVERY ILONGGO FAMILY
Inday Raisa, visibly moved by the overwhelming warmth and support of the Ilonggos, pledged to carry forward the legacy of progress initiated by her father, Mayor Treñas.
She recounted that her experience serving the city, particularly during the challenges brought by the pandemic, had been a wake-up call that strengthened her commitment to public service.
This journey, she shared, has profoundly shaped her, enhancing her abilities as an individual, a woman, a mother, a wife, and—if entrusted with the opportunity as the next city mayor of Iloilo City.
“I am my father’s daughter – decisive, forward-thinking, kon kis a tig-a ulo but always determined.
And I am inspired by all of you, kay sa pila ka tuig waay gid kamo nagbulag sa kawsa sang akon nga amay para sa kauswagan sang syudad sang Iloilo. Ang akon nga handom padayunon ang ina nga legasiya. My father built a modern, progressive and multi-awarded Iloilo City that we can all be proud of. Padayunon ta ini paagi sa pagpabaskog sang pamilyang Ilonggo,” Inday Raisa vowed.
She is committed to solutions that strengthen and give real and comprehensive opportunities for livelihood, education, and nutrition and health.
She specifically pledged to introduce more livelihood and skills training programs, establish extension campuses of the Iloilo City Community College to accommodate more young Ilonggos with free tuition, expand the Uswag scholarship programs, and modernize health facilities to better serve the community.
Inday Raisa’s words reflect a deep commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that development reaches every corner of the community. It’s a vision of sustainable progress that prioritizes long-term benefits over short-term fixes.
Vice Mayor Ganzon, on his part, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing their mission of serving the Ilonggos, highlighting the significance of dedicated public service.
He underscored the vital role of strong collaboration between the legislative and executive branches in driving the city’s progress over the years and ensuring its continuity.
Meanwhile, each council candidate of Team Uswag, with their distinct people-centered platforms of governance, pledged to guarantee the seamless and effective implementation of programs and ordinances designed to strengthen the city and uplift every Ilonggo family.
For easier recall, the councilor candidates’ names are coined into CaZaDu De Sa TAGOMPay which means Ca – Cabaluna, Atty. Sedfrey; Za – Zaldivar, Alan; Du – Duron, Atty. Romel; De – De la Llana, Nene; S – Sarabia, Atty. Rex; T – Treñas, Miguel; A – Acap, Lyndon; G – Ganzon, Rudolph; O – Olid, Atty. Shiella; M – Malabor, Mandrie; Pa – Parcon, Atty. Frances Grace; and Y – Young, Johnny.
DRILON FOR USWAG
Team Uswag received significant support from Former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, who emphasized that the city’s evolution into a world-class destination stems from strategic planning and effective governance.
Drilon echoed Mayor Trenas’ confidence that Team Uswag is the ideal group to sustain development and bring continued prosperity to the Ilonggos.
Also gracing the Team Uswag’s kick off rally were senatorial candidates Camille Villar, Imee Marcos and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Team Uswag reminded every voter of the critical importance of making wise and responsible choices in selecting leaders who genuinely serve the city.
Their message underscores the value of leadership that prioritizes the welfare and progress of the community, urging voters to choose those who are committed to true public service.
