ILOILO — Over 5,400 elected municipal and city legislators from across the Philippines filled the Iloilo Convention Center starting July 29, 2026, for the Philippine Councilors League’s 2nd Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program. The gathering transformed the city into a bustling hub of policy exchange and cultural discovery.
A National Assembly for Local Lawmakers
The three‑day event brought together councilors representing every region, turning Iloilo into a living classroom for governance innovation. Delegates registered at the convention center, picked up thick briefing materials, and reconnected with colleagues from distant provinces. The sheer scale of the turnout underscored the league’s commitment to continuous professional development.
Welcoming the assembly, Mayor Raisa Treñas emphasized that progress is built when local leaders learn from one another. She noted that the exchange of ideas and ordinances helps communities prosper. Her message set a collaborative tone for the sessions that followed.
Best Practices from a Cabinet Secretary
Keynote speaker Cabinet Secretary Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. shared governance principles honed during his years of public service. He zeroed in on the Garden of Life Park, an award‑winning public cemetery project he pioneered in Mandaluyong City that combines dignified burial with recreational green space. The concept resonated strongly with the audience.
Mayor Treñas immediately expressed interest in adapting the model for Iloilo City, viewing it as a way to serve constituents with compassion even in death. The exchange illustrated the summit’s core purpose: replicating proven ideas across local government units. Councilors scribbled notes, already thinking of how similar projects might work in their own municipalities.
Iloilo’s Living Showcase
Beyond the conference halls, delegates fanned out across the city for field visits that doubled as guided tours. They walked the Iloilo River Esplanade, the country’s longest linear park, observing how a once‑neglected riverbank became a vibrant public space. The rehabilitated public markets also drew attention, with their clean stalls and efficient layouts.
In the evenings, the councilors immersed themselves in Iloilo’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status. Restaurants offered batchoy, pancit molo, and fresh seafood, giving visitors a literal taste of Ilonggo culture. These experiences were not mere diversions; they demonstrated how infrastructure and heritage can coexist to create a livable city.
Strengthening Local Governance Nationwide
Workshop sessions delved into climate adaptation, fiscal transparency, and streamlining local ordinances. Councilors debated drafts and traded successful legislative templates, building a repository of shared knowledge that each delegate could take home. The collaborative spirit was palpable in every breakout room.
The Philippine Councilors League leadership, including National Chairman Atty. Raul Corro and National President Benjamin Abalos III, praised Iloilo’s hosting. They noted that the immersive experience would inspire better policies across the country. For Iloilo, the summit was both a badge of honor and a testament to its capacity as a premier convention destination.
