ILOILO — Iloilo City is vying for its fourth Galing Pook Award, with national validation for its entry, the Iloilo City Action and Resilience Centers, held on September 25, 2026. Mayor Raisa S. Treñas led the city's presentation before the Galing Pook Foundation validation team.
A Legacy of Good Governance
The validation panel included Ms. Nieves Confesor, Adjunct Faculty of the Asian Institute of Management and Trustee of the Galing Pook Foundation. Ms. Edith Ramos, Finance and Administrative Officer, assisted in the validation process. City department heads and partner agencies joined the presentation.
This is not Iloilo City's first Galing Pook journey. The Dinagyang Festival earned the city's first award in 2012 for promoting good governance and human capital. The Iloilo-Batiano River Development Project followed in 2018, while the I-BIKE Program secured the third award in 2022.
ICARe: From Emergency Response to Resilience Hubs
Introduced in 2021 as the Iloilo City Action and Response Centers, ICARe was established to bring life-saving emergency services closer to communities. District-level command hubs ensured faster response times during crises. The initiative has since evolved into a network of resilience learning hubs.
Today, the city operates nine ICARe Centers across seven districts. These facilities serve as platforms where government, communities, experts, volunteers, and partners collaborate. They prepare for and address risks through real-time coordination and risk-informed decision-making. The centers embody the city's commitment to proactive disaster preparedness.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
ICARe carries Iloilo City's continuing work in disaster preparedness and resilience. From faster emergency response to stronger community partnerships, the program demonstrates how local governments can innovate. The validation process includes site visits to ICARe facilities and activities.
The Galing Pook Awards recognize innovative local government practices based on results and impact. Criteria include participation, empowerment, innovation, adaptation, resilience, sustainability, efficiency, and transferability. ICARe's nomination reflects its comprehensive approach to building safer communities.
A Track Record of Excellence
Beyond its three wins, Iloilo City was a national finalist in 2024 for the Iloilo City Sports Academy. The RISE-A-FARM Program was also recognized as a finalist for the Galing Pook-Walang Gutom Award. These recognitions underscore the city's consistent pursuit of excellence.
Should ICARe secure the award, it would mark Iloilo City's fourth Galing Pook honor. The achievement would further cement the city's reputation as a model for good governance and community resilience. It would also inspire other local governments to adopt similar approaches.
Building a Resilient Future
The ICARe program represents more than emergency response. It is a holistic approach to community safety that integrates learning, preparation, and collaboration. By involving residents and volunteers, the city creates a culture of preparedness that extends beyond government initiatives.
As validation continues, Iloilo City awaits the outcome with optimism. The recognition would validate years of hard work and investment in resilience infrastructure. More importantly, it would reaffirm the city's commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.
