Newly sworn-in Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu on Friday laid out her vision of transforming this highly urbanized city into a development hub for various sectors.

Speaking after her oath-taking ceremony at the city hall, Chu said she is ready to “hit the ground running” and continue building on the gains of her predecessor, her father, outgoing Mayor Jerry Treñas.

“My vision for Iloilo City is to become a development hub for various sectors. We now provide more jobs and livelihood opportunities at par with other cities. And investors across industries entrust their businesses to us,” she said.

To achieve the vision, Chu cited the need for unified efforts in key areas, such as health, education, and social services.

She pledged to sustain core programs already in place, including livelihood support, mental health services, the Sports Academy, Raise A Farm, Merkado Lokal, and the Uswag Negosyo Academy.

As the first elected woman mayor of Iloilo City, Chu acknowledged the historic significance of her victory but noted that the role comes with great responsibility.

As she thanked all those who helped her in the past elections, she emotionally turned to her father, assuring him that she would continue his plans for Iloilo City.

She cited, among others, the completion of public markets, the Uswag laboratory, the city hospital and the sports center. They have also completed the frameworks for other programs that are waiting for implementation.

“The election is over and there’s a lot of work to do. We are ready to rise to the challenge. Let’s just altogether get on the same boat and start rowing smoothly,” she said.

In a post-ceremony interview, Chu said they are reviewing existing programs and exploring ways to innovate further.

“We only have one goal. We will make sure that our services will be fast and more accessible for everyone,” she said.

She is also looking to surpass, if not double, the 47 school buildings constructed during the term of her father and improve their facilities, including canteens and libraries.

Joining Chu in the oath-taking were re-elected councilors Frances Grace Parcon-Torres, Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, Romel Duron, Alan Zaldivar, Rex Sarabia, Miguel Treñas, Sedfrey Cabaluna, and Johny Young; returning councilors Lyndon Acap and Mandrei Malabor; and first-time councilor Nene Dela Llana. They took their oath of office before Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Rose Edith Togonon.

A short program paying tribute to the outgoing mayor followed the oath-taking ceremony. (PNA)