ILOILO — Mayor Raisa Treñas represented the Philippines on the global stage as the only local chief executive from the country at the International Disaster Resilience Leaders Forum (IDRLF) 2026. The two-day event, held from September 7 to 8 in Incheon, South Korea, brought together city leaders and experts from across Asia to share practical resilience solutions.
A Global Platform for Learning
The IDRLF is an annual flagship gathering dedicated to strengthening urban resilience and disaster risk reduction at the local government level. This year's theme focused on translating locally-led resilience into action amid complex risks and digital transformation. The forum welcomed local leaders, national officials, and international experts from Northeast and Southeast Asia and beyond.
Mayor Treñas participated in the City Networking Event, presenting Iloilo's best practices on disaster risk reduction. Her presentation highlighted innovative approaches, partnerships, and technologies that strengthen local resilience. The opportunity allowed Iloilo to learn from other cities while contributing its own experiences to the global conversation.
Showcasing the ICARe Centers
The centerpiece of the mayor's presentation was the Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARe) Centers initiative. These decentralized emergency response hubs are located strategically across the city's districts. Nine operational facilities currently serve as both emergency response centers and resilience learning hubs.
Each ICARe facility co-locates personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and medical first responders. This integrated approach has dramatically reduced emergency response times from 10-15 minutes down to 7-8 minutes. The model has earned national recognition and serves as a benchmark for other Philippine LGUs.
Building Capacity for Climate Adaptation
On September 9, Mayor Treñas joined a specialized Training Workshop on Climate Adaptation Project Preparation. The workshop focused on converting ideas into fundable projects, co-organized by UNDRR, ICLEI, and Making Cities Resilient 2030. The session aimed to strengthen capacity in preparing and financing climate adaptation initiatives.
This training opens doors for Iloilo to access international grants and climate financing. Major initiatives like flood mitigation, coastal defense, and sustainable urban drainage could benefit from these funding pathways. The knowledge gained will help the city transform plans into bankable projects.
Strengthening Iloilo's Global Reputation
Iloilo City's participation in international forums elevates its standing as a leader in disaster resilience. The exposure reassures investors, tourists, and residents that the city prioritizes safety and sustainability. The recognition validates years of investment in community-based
preparedness.
The forum also provided insights into AI-driven disaster prevention and smart city technologies. These innovations could further upgrade Iloilo's early warning systems and real-time monitoring capabilities. The continuous pursuit of better solutions reflects the city's commitment to protecting every Ilonggo.
