Treñas siblings advance compassion-driven laws for Iloilo’s most vulnerable
Leadership rooted in compassion is taking center stage in Iloilo City as siblings Mayor Raisa Treñas and Councilor Miguel Treñas push forward two landmark initiatives under the city government’s RISE TO ACTION agenda.
One program focuses on healthcare for the city’s elderly and persons with disabilities, while the other enacts stronger legal protections for animals — populations that are often less empowered and cannot speak for themselves.
MEDISEN+
Mayor Raisa Treñas has launched MediSen+, a program designed to ease the financial burden of maintenance medicines for senior citizens and PWDs.
Under the program, the city government conducts Sign-Up Caravans in barangays to register beneficiaries. Once validated by the City Health Office through Barangay Health Stations or Health Centers, beneficiaries can claim free monthly maintenance medicines at any of the city’s 9 District Health Centers.
The program also accommodates patients of private doctors, provided they present their latest prescription for validation. For bedridden seniors and PWDs, doctors and healthcare teams conduct home visits to assess patients and deliver appropriate medicines. Free rehabilitation services for stroke patients also continue under the initiative.
“Padayon kita nga magaserbisyo nga may pagpalangga, respeto, kag pag-atipan para sa tagsa ka Ilonggo,” Mayor Treñas said.
ANIMAL WELFARE
In July 2024, the Iloilo City Council approved the Animal Welfare Ordinance of Iloilo City, authored by Councilor Miguel Treñas. The ordinance aims to provide stronger legal safeguards for animals within the city.
Key provisions include the establishment of Animal Welfare Desks in police stations, stricter penalties for cruelty, neglect and abandonment, and regulation of companion animal ownership. The ordinance also mandates registration of companion animals and mandatory anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats.
It further provides protocols for animal rescue, rehabilitation, and sheltering, and calls for the improvement of the Iloilo City Pound and the creation of an Iloilo Animal Care, Rehome and Rehabilitation Center.
Implementation will be led by the City Veterinarian’s Office in coordination with animal welfare groups and volunteers.
Councilor Treñas said the law reflects the city’s duty to protect animals. Iloilo City was recently recognized with the Advancing Animal Welfare in the Philippines Award.
“I, together with the Iloilo City Government, hear you loud and clear. I know the work does not stop there. I will continue to work and coordinate with all concerned offices to ensure that this Act is fully and effectively implemented,” Councilor Treñas said.
“Together with the City Council, we will continue to find ways to strengthen our advocacy and build a kinder, more humane city for all living beings.”
A SHARED VISION OF COMPASSION
With MediSen+ and the Animal Welfare Ordinance, the Treñas siblings are advancing a shared vision: that a progressive city cares not only for its people, but also for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
