ILOILO — Government leaders, developers, property owners, and industry experts gathered at the Iloilo Urban Living Summit 2026 on September 29 at the KER Building. The event focused on building better rental communities and ensuring affordable housing as the city continues to attract residents and investors.
Balancing Growth With Affordability
Mayor Raisa Treñas underscored the importance of balancing development with housing accessibility. She stressed that opening Iloilo to national and international investments will generate jobs and livelihood opportunities for residents.
"If we gatekeep our city, growth will remain stagnant," Treñas said. She emphasized that the summit was vital for balancing development while ensuring affordable housing for Ilonggos across all income levels.
The mayor announced ongoing initiatives under the Pasilong Program, including socialized housing, apartment-style units, and affordable condominium developments. Two buildings are set for awarding by December, with four more targeted next year.
Affordable Options Within Reach
Treñas highlighted units priced at P800,000 for 24 square meters, payable at around P4,000 monthly through Pag-IBIG financing. Rental housing projects are also underway, with 360 condominium-type units to be made available.
"Our priority is to make sure every sector, from socialized housing to middle-class families, has access to affordable homes," she added. The commitment reflects a people-centered approach to urban development.
Building Better Rental Communities
Morning discussions focused on what today's renters expect and how property owners can respond to a changing market. Speakers included Atty. Peter Millare of the Iloilo City Local Housing Office and Jennifer Palmares-Fong of Megaworld Visayas.
Topics covered changing renter expectations, professional property management, technology adoption, digital payments, and regulatory compliance. Panelists urged owners to go beyond collecting rent and meeting minimum requirements.
The afternoon program shifted to safer and more livable rentals. MORE Power COO Engr. Ronald Torres discussed electricity interruptions and the roles within the power sector. BFP-Iloilo City Fire Marshal FSUPT. Kim Celisio addressed fire safety standards.
Safety Standards and Compliance
Safety standards for rental buildings are set mainly by the Fire Code of the Philippines and the National Building Code. Participants learned how basic compliance differs from good property management and how student housing priorities differ from those of families.
The summit also covered power distribution. MORE Power took over from Panay Electric Co. in 2020 under a franchise granted by Republic Act 11212. Generation, transmission, distribution, and supply are handled by separate entities under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
A Shared Vision for Iloilo
Organizers stressed that a more livable city needs safer properties, better-managed rental businesses, responsive services, and accessible technology. The event was organized with partners including the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, MORE Power, Megaworld Visayas, Mochi Solutions, PayMongo, Sowenscale, and LiDU.
The summit closed by asking stakeholders to consider their role in making Iloilo a better place to live. Property owners, developers, government, utilities, and service providers all have contributions to make toward inclusive growth.
