Iloilo City took center stage once again in the national sustainability agenda as it hosted the official launch of the “Handog ng Pangulo: Luntiang Bukas – Pamilyang May Lupa, Komunidad na Luntian, Bukas na Matatag” on April 24, 2026, highlighting its integrated approach to climate resilience, housing, and environmental protection.
The event opened with a press conference led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna, who pointed to the city’s iconic Iloilo River Esplanade as a benchmark for sustainable urban development.
“Since part of the program is ‘yung linear parks, we thought that the Iloilo River Esplanade would be the best model for us to encourage replication elsewhere,” Cuna said, underscoring the national government’s intent to scale similar initiatives across the country.
The “Luntiang Bukas” program is a multi-agency effort spearheaded by the DENR and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). It is anchored on four key components: land security for families, climate-resilient housing, accessible green spaces, and sustainable livelihoods—aimed at building holistic, future-ready communities.
Joining the press briefing were key national and regional officials, including DENR Forest Management Bureau Assistant Director Atty. Ray Thomas Kabigting, DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Raul Lorilla, Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., and Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas.
Mayor Treñas emphasized that Iloilo City’s success, particularly the Esplanade project, is the result of sustained collaboration between local and national governments.
“The support up to today is the reason why Iloilo City’s Esplanade is considered one of the best practices,” she said.
Following the press conference, the official launch was held at Esplanade Park, featuring a walkthrough of the Iloilo River Esplanade and the rollout of key program components.
Among the highlights was the distribution of rice assistance to the first 100 beneficiaries, funded through the ₱72 million Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) granted to the city. The initiative aims to provide immediate relief while complementing longer-term resilience programs.
Housing initiatives also took the spotlight, with Certificates of Entitlement awarded to the first 25 families under the city’s 100-unit climate-resilient housing program in Batiano Village, located in Barangay West Habog-Habog, Molo. Each beneficiary is entitled to a 27-square-meter loft-style housing unit designed for families living in flood-prone areas.
Further strengthening housing access, the city also facilitated approved Pag-IBIG housing loans for beneficiaries of Kauswagan Residences in San Isidro, Jaro.
Mayor Treñas also announced the expansion of the Iloilo Residences Rental Housing Project in Sambag, Jaro, which has grown to 362 units from the initial 234 units following the release of a ₱640 million escrow fund. The project is implemented in partnership with DHSUD and aims to provide affordable, secure housing options for Ilonggos.
Expressing gratitude, the mayor acknowledged the continued support of national agencies, including the DENR and DHSUD, as well as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for entrusting Iloilo City with the implementation of key national programs.
The “Luntiang Bukas” launch not only delivered immediate assistance to beneficiaries but also reinforced Iloilo City’s role as a leading example of how local governments can translate sustainability into tangible, community-level impact—blending environmental stewardship, inclusive housing, and resilient urban development into one cohesive vision.