Iloilo City Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator

On May 26, 2026, the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator, in partnership with the Iloilo City Local Housing Office, convened the General Assembly at the Penthouse Auditorium, 8th floor of the Iloilo City Hall, to formally establish the Iloilo City People’s Council. This historic occasion marks a significant milestone in the city’s pursuit of participatory governance, transparency, and inclusive development.

The Iloilo City People’s Council was created to institutionalize citizen participation in local governance, ensuring that the voices of various sectors are represented in policy-making, program implementation, and community development initiatives. Through this council, the city reaffirms its commitment to empowering residents, fostering collaboration between government and civil society, and promoting accountability in decision-making processes.

Hon. Miguel S. Treñas, SP Chairman for Local Accreditation emphasized that the establishment of the People’s Council is not merely a structural reform but a transformative step toward building a governance model that is responsive, inclusive, and people-centered. By strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, the city aims to create a platform where diverse perspectives can be heard, respected, and integrated into the city’s vision for sustainable growth.

The General Assembly served as a venue for dialogue, consensus-building, and the formal adoption of mechanisms that will guide the council’s operations. It also highlighted the city’s dedication to ensuring that governance is not confined within the walls of City Hall but is a shared responsibility between leaders and citizens.

The City Government of Iloilo extends its gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, and community representatives who took part in this landmark event. Together, we move forward with renewed commitment to uphold democratic values and to ensure that Iloilo City continues to thrive as a model of participatory governance in the Philippines.

Today, May 26, 2026, the Local Development Council of Iloilo City convened to discuss priority programs, strategic initiatives, and development plans aimed at strengthening responsive governance and sustainable progress for the city.

Agenda highlights included:
✅ Presentation of the Annual Investment Program (AIP) FY 2027
✅ Presentation of Supplemental AIP No. 4 FY 2026
✅ Reversion of Funds from Personnel Services Savings (January 1 – March 31, 2026) for the Purchase of ICT Equipment – OCPDC
✅ Endorsement of Selected NGA Programs for GAA FY 2027
✅ Dissemination of the Barangay Academy Statement of Commitment and Support

The meeting reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to collaborative planning, transparency, and delivering programs that will further benefit every Ilonggo community.

The Interim Iloilo City People’s Council held a Preparatory Meeting on May 21, 2026 at the SP Conference Room 609, 6th Floor of Iloilo City Hall.

The objective of this meeting is to prepare the necessary requisites prior to the conduct of the General Assembly and Creation of the Iloilo City People’s Council which is scheduled on May 26, 2026.

This activity aims to strengthen participatory governance and fostering greater collaboration between civil society and the local government, and ensuring that the Council is represented, responsive, and reflective of the diverse voices within our community.

𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐒, 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐘

The annual Iloilo Bike Festival returns this year for its 12th edition, officially opening on World Bike Day on June 3 and running until June 30. Iloilo Business Park will serve as the main venue and the Megaworld Group as a major partner, the month-long celebration is expected to further promote local and national tourism while providing a platform for cycling enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professional riders alike.

Recognized as a Galing Pook Awardee for its biking initiatives, Iloilo City continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the country’s leading bike-friendly cities. Its vibrant cycling community has remained a strong driving force behind the success of the annual festival.

This year’s theme, “FLOW CITY: Iloilo Always on the Move!”, reflects the city’s vision of being a breathable, livable, and people-centered urban hub that encourages mobility in many forms. Amid rising fuel prices and ongoing global tensions affecting fuel supply, the festival aims to highlight practical and sustainable transportation alternatives.

Beyond the economic benefits of cycling, the festival also underscores its environmental impact through reduced carbon emissions, lower fossil fuel dependence, and contributions toward climate change mitigation. Health and wellness advantages associated with biking likewise remain a central advocacy of the cycling community.

The festival also begins with a major milestone for active mobility in Iloilo City. Last week, Mayor Raisa Treñas led the groundbreaking ceremony for a ₱74-million active mobility project funded by the Department of Transportation. The initiative aims to make the city more walkable and bicycle-friendly through the construction of end-of-trip cycling facilities, urban shading structures, and upgraded public transport stops.

Among the identified project sites are Esplanade 3 Skate Park and Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Expanding beyond cycling, the Iloilo Bike Festival 2026 now evolves into a broader Mobility Festival as part of the city’s continuing efforts to promote greener, more inclusive, and sustainable transportation systems. The event will also showcase non-fuel transportation alternatives, including the first-ever EV Car Show to be held during the festival month.

According to Bike Festival co-directors Jay Trenas and Arch Wilfredo Sy, Jr. activities for June is as follows:

June 3, 2026 -- World Bicycle Day
* Active Mobility Conference - 8-5 PM / District 21 Hotel Annex 3
* Mobility Count - 6-8 AM & 4-6 PM / City Wide

June 5, 2026 – Opening
* Bike to Work Day - 5:00 AM - 7:30 AM / Park Square, IBP
* Opening Program 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM / Park Square, IBP

June 5- 30, 2026
* Bike Food Crawl - City Wide (IHRRA Member Restaurants)

June 13-14, 2026
* Mega Criterium Race - 7AM - 5PM / Java Road, IBP

June 20, 2026
* Push Bike Race - 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM / Transport Hub Terminal (back section)

June 21-22 2026
* Iloilo Duathlon - 5-9AM / Park Square, IBP - Java Road - Sunset Blvd
* Grand Fun Ride - 4:30 - 5:30 PM / Park Square, IBP (Ride)
* Battle of the Bands - 3:00-6:00 PM / Park Square, IBP
* Awarding & Closing Program - 6:00-7:00PM / Park Square, IBP

June 24-27, 2026
* Electric Car Show - 10 AM - 9 PM / IBP Parking

*** event time subject to change based on event day

The public is encouraged to join and enjoy the festival.

𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐏 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐝-𝐨𝐟-𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

Shifting efforts from simply maintaining roads to creating an integrated mobility ecosystem, the Iloilo City Government and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) officially broke ground on May 11, 2026 a series of transformative projects designed to make the city even more walkable and bike-friendly.

Iloilo is only the second city in the country to be granted this project, following Marikina City, Mayor Raisa S. Treñas revealed during the ceremony.

“We are very grateful for this project and ang commitment sang syudad indi lang nagatapos diri,” she said, expressing as well her gratitude to the project partners, Iloilo City Active Mobility Council, the public, and the city’s dedicated cleaning, greening and beautification teams.

At no cost to the City Government, the P74-million project is funded by the DOTr and covers four key components: one Stand-Alone End-of-Trip (EOT) Cycling Facility, Short-Term EOT Facility, urban shading structures or green canopies, and improved public transport stops.

EOTs will feature secure bicycle parking, showers, changing rooms, and lockers to support commuters cycling to work or school. Chosen sites for this are in Esplanade 3 Skate Park, where the groundbreaking ceremony took place, and the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

“It’s timely because of the crisis. But we’re showing also that the initiative was prior pa sa crisis, we’ve thought of this ahead na,” said Ar. Wilfredo S. Sy, Jr., member of the Iloilo City Active Mobility Council.

He noted that although the project is slated for completion within 280 calendar days, he looks forward to one component completed ahead of schedule. This phased approach will allow the city to refine construction and implementation for future project components.

To facilitate this, the DOTr initially provided a project template, granting the city flexibility to customize and localize the implementation.

Meanwhile, as part of sustainable urban transportation efforts, the mayor teased on improving the Iloilo Bike Festival held annually in June into a Mobility Festival.

Sy supported this, adding that the council seeks to elevate the quarterly bike count by integrating pedestrian count and covering the new Iloilo Sunset Boulevard.

2027 AIP Sectoral Validation | Strengthening Evidence-Based and Inclusive Development Planning

The Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator (OCPDC) successfully conducted the 2027 Annual Investment Program (AIP) Sectoral Validation Sessions on May 11-13, 2026, at the Penthouse, Iloilo City Hall. The three-day activity covered the sectors on General Public Services, Social Services, Economic Services, and Other Services, bringing together department heads, office representatives, and program implementers to validate and harmonize proposed programs, projects, and activities for Fiscal Year 2027.

City Planning and Development Coordinator EnP. Ronald M. Cartagena opened the event by emphasizing the importance of a strategic, inclusive, and fiscally responsible AIP that translates development plans into concrete, responsive actions for the people of Iloilo City. Arch/EnP. Dolly Anne M. Zoluaga highlighted the importance of achieving a high-quality AIP anchored in the city’s long-term plans. Additionally, she elaborated on the key qualities of the AIP, underscoring evidence-based, stakeholder-consulted, and results-oriented planning principles.

Following the AIP preparation synopsis by Enp Gaia Jone Capalihan, the participants conducted a thorough review of the sectoral programs and projects with the Local Finance Committee. This process ensures commitment to targeted future investments and streamlining of activities to avoid wasted resources.

Through the validation sessions, the City Government continues to strengthen interdepartmental coordination and evidence-based planning to ensure that programs and projects towards achieving a livable, sustainable, resilient, and people-centered Iloilo City.

Moving forward, there will be an LDC Meeting on the appropriation of the 2027 Annual Investment Program (AIP) by the end of May.

May 14, 2026 | Data Consultation and Discussion on the “Navigating the VUCAD-World: Progress Tracking for Strategic Foresights for the SDGs in Western Visayas”

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) VI in coordination with the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (CIDS) through the UP Visayas, is conducting a project entitled: “Navigating the VUCAD-World: Progress Tracking for Strategic Foresights for the SDGs in Western Visayas.” The project aims to map, analyze, and strengthen SDG implementation in the region by identifying policy gaps, evaluating service delivery, and producing evidence-based recommendations.

Researchers from the UP Visayas, Dr. Rhodella A. Ibabao and Ms. Rosario Dizon met with key offices from the Iloilo City Government to document and validate lagging (yellow/red) SDG indicators in health, education, and poverty.

The Iloilo City Office of the Planning and Development Coordinator (OCDPC) convened the various offices for the discussion held in the Iloilo City Hall last May 14, 2026. Attendees include participants from the following offices: Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Public Order and Safety Management Office, Office of the City Health Officer, Data Assessment and System Management Office, and the Gender and Development Office.

The OCPDC joined the Project TRANSCEND round table discussion which highlighted the convergence of projects from other partners. Here are the key collaborative efforts discussed:

• UNIDO: Focusing on energy efficiency and MSMEs.
• UN-Habitat: Leading the Batiano River Masterplan.
• Haribon Foundation: Working on biodiversity planning and monitoring.
• ZSL: Providing technical assistance on greenbelt zones.
• EU-PH Green Economy: Targeting "Crabsolutely Zero" and potential technical assistance for Iloilo city Solid Waste Management Plan.
• UNDP: Implementing waste trap designs for Batiano RIver. Social and Behavior Change Communication, Circular economy in MICE.
• IWARI-CRS: Developing "Forest Flavors" and the coffee value chain for forest restoration.

Additional targets include the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) draft, Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP), energy and environmental codes, and LCCAP integration. Key government partners involved include DHSUD, DENR-EMB, DILG and DEPDev.

Enhancing Participation: CSO Accreditation Orientation for Market Vendors Associations

An Orientation on the Accreditation Process for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) was successfully conducted on May 6, 2026, at the 6th Floor Conference Room of Iloilo City Hall. The activity was initiated and facilitated by the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator headed by Ronald Cartagena, through the Sectoral and People’s Organization Division led by CSO Desk Officer Leonor Delgado, in coordination with the Committee on Accreditation chaired by Miguel Treñas and Ms. Shirley Sulit of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iloilo City.

The orientation was attended by presidents and representatives of various market vendors’ associations from Jaro Small Market, Jaro Big Market, La Paz, Arevalo, and Mandurriao. Also present were Maricel Mabaquiao and staff from the Office of the Local Economic Enterprise Officer.

The activity aimed to provide guidance to participating organizations on the legal basis and significance of CSO accreditation. Topics discussed included the composition and role of CSOs, relevant legal mandates, participation in Local Special Bodies, documentary requirements, and the step-by-step accreditation process. It also served as a venue for clarifications and open discussion to assist organizations in complying with the requirements of the City Government.

The orientation concluded with an open forum and a commitment from participating organizations to complete the necessary requirements for accreditation and strengthen their engagement in local governance and development initiatives.

Working to better align plans across departments and levels of government

The Western Visayas Regional Plans Caravan wrapped up its Iloilo City leg on April 29, 2026, at the Penthouse Auditorium of Iloilo City Hall. Organized by DEPDev Region VI, the roadshow made a one-day stop in the city.

The activity gathered stakeholders from various sectors across the city to:
- Build a clearer understanding of the region’s development plans
- Strengthen collaboration in aligning regional and local priorities
- Enhance stakeholder engagement, especially in implementation
- Encourage open dialogue and feedback to improve ex*****on
- Introduce other services of DEPDev VI

In the context of Iloilo City, the activity aims to orient city government departments and offices on plan alignment and cross-sector harmonization. This ensures that local priorities are aligned with national development directions and regional agenda-setting, serving as a key reference for the city’s programs and projects.

The City Government of Iloilo extends its appreciation to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Regional Office VI, partner agencies, and participating offices for their active engagement and commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive growth in Western Visayas.