The first lady-mayor of Iloilo City has taken her oath of office.

Mayor-elect Raisa Treñas-Chu went emotional during her formal oathtaking morning on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Iloilo City Hall.

In her speech, the new mayor thanked her father, outgoing Mayor Jerry Treñas, and underscored living an aspiration of her father. 

“Sabi mo sa akin: pagdating ng araw, gusto ko ring pumunta sa iyong oathtaking. Pa, heto na tayo ngayon - at sobra ang ligayang nararamdaman ko. Pa, itutuloy ko ang ating pangarap at mga plano para sa Iloilo City,” Treñas-Chu said.

Eleven city councilors of the administration slate also took their oath of office; three of which will start on new terms, while eight are reelectionists.

A turnover ceremony was also held.

Treñas-Chu’s administration will have social services, education, and healthcare for a priority.

However, a few Ilonggos have expressed doubt on the capability of the new mayor, saying she is relatively new in local politics and public governance.

“Ang sa atin lang, tingnan natin kung ano ang performance niya. Hintayin muna natin bago magsabing okay siya,” said Mary Ann Olorosa, a city resident.

The new mayor said that the observation is normal based on stereotypes especially upon women, or young women, in politics.

“Normal lang ito especially kung minsan may stereotype na babae, bata. But ang aking intention maliwanag naman. Isa man lang [ang] aking pakay, magserbisyo,” Treñas-Chu said.

On the other hand, there are other Ilonggos who are confident that the first lady-mayor of the city will deliver efficiently the programs, projects, and services expected of her.

“First of all, hindi ako against sa babae nga mag-lead sa city. I think maka-lead siya dahil may guidance siya,” Reed Lloyd Rada, a student, said.

As for Jerlly Roderos, another resident, she said that the city’s first-ever lady-mayor can learn more from her father.

“May idea na siya dahil father ya si Treñas,” Roderos said.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda and Vice Mayor-elect Lady Julie Grace Baronda, and City Councilor-elect Sheen Marie Mabilog already took their oath of office last June 10, 2025 before Senator JV Ejercito.