Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas has showcased the local government’s best “green” practices to the world when he served as one of the panelists at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) forum last September 5.

Trenas joined other top local government executives from Germany; the United Kingdom, Slovenia; Armenia, Malawi, Cambodia, Jordan, and Kyrgyz Republic as they discussed “advancing innovation and partnerships for a net zero transport” during UNIDO’s Bridge for Cities event.

“The program gave us the opportunity to present to the world Iloilo City’s various programs and projects on reducing carbon emissions and other climate action initiatives,” said Trenas.

Among the city’s initiatives presented by Trenas is the 11-kilometer Iloilo City Bike Network, a safe, scenic, and eco-friendly bike path that connects three major bike lane networks -- Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, the University Loop, and the 12-kilometer bikeable section of Iloilo River Esplanade.

Trenas also mentioned that the city’s 3-hectare Iloilo Tree Park Development Project which can sequester up to 33 tons of carbon dioxide per year is also in the works in Brgy. Lanit, Jaro.  The project is part of the interconnected network of greening programs, including the 35.07 hectares of mangrove forest that can sequester 29.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Trenas said promoting an environment-friendly transport system is in line with the city’s development roadmap called WHEELS (Welfare, Health and Sanitation, Education, Environmental Management, Livelihood, and Sustainability) for Inclusive Development

Aside from streamlining the routes, Iloilo City’s Local Transport Route Plan also aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by utilizing electric vehicles to ply several routes.

As part of the national government’s jeepney modernization program, some 500 modern jeepneys in Iloilo City now have engines that have less carbon dioxide emissions.

“We are soon embarking on e-vehicle (EV) bus rapid transit (BRT), a low-carbon urban transport system seen to reduce traffic congestion and benefit the environment while contributing to the development of the local economy,” Trenas said.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City government recently launched its new tourism campaign that aims to connect and strengthen emotional bonds with local and international visitors.

Trenas said the new tourism push called "My Heart Beats in Iloilo City" entices visitors to fall in love with the place, people, and culture and inspires them to experience it all again.

"We want our visitors to feel the city’s sights, sounds, food, culture and other adventures that will leave their hearts racing with excitement and enjoyment and make their stay worthwhile," Trenas said.

The city also presents limitless opportunities for businesses to grow and prosper, as it is a fertile ground for investments and its world-class venues can play host to various business-related activities such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

"As a bastion of learning and culture, Iloilo City is perfect for those looking for quality and affordable education. We have different world-class universities and colleges that can cater to their demands for learning," Trenas said.

Namayan Digital, Inc. helped the city government in crafting the campaign.