By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY – Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. and Mayor Jerry Treñas are now ready to move beyond politics as they outlined their respective governance policies for the province and the city of Iloilo.
Governor Arthur Toto Defensor Jr., Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, former governor Arthur Art Defensor Sr., and Vice Governor Christine Garin after the oath taking of Iloilo provincial officials. (Tara Yap / MANILA BULLETIN)
“It is better said that my work and our work is not only of good governance, but it is the administration of social justice,” said Defensor in his inaugural speech after succeeding his father Arthur “Art” Defensor Sr.
“The Iloilo City Roadmap is WHEELS—Welfare, Health, Education, Environment, Livelihood, and Sustainability. This is for inclusive development that will address many challenges the metropolis face,” said Treñas, who is returning as mayor.
Both highlighted the employment and livelihood opportunities for Ilonggos.
Defensor said he wanted profits from products to trickle down to farmers and fishermen, while boosting the economic environment to bring more jobs to the people.
For Treñas, boosting employment and livelihood opportunities mean intensifying tourism and investment promotions, particularly supporting the move to make Iloilo as a major destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Both Defensor and Treñas were sworn into office Friday by Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, who is an Ilonggo.