ILOILO CITY — Mayor Raisa S. Treñas announced that public school teachers will receive dedicated housing units across four city housing projects. The allocation covers projects in Barangays Sambag, San Isidro, West Habog‑Habog, and Hibao‑an, subject to application requirements. The announcement came after the distribution of learning kits under the ISKUL Program, underscoring the city's dual commitment to both learners and educators.
The move marks the first time Iloilo City has specifically reserved housing units for teachers. By prioritizing educators in its socialized housing pipeline, the city is addressing a long‑standing need for affordable, well‑located homes for those who serve in public schools. The initiative reinforces the message that the city values its teachers and is willing to invest in their welfare.
Projects Across Four Strategic Barangays
The housing projects span four barangays that are central to Iloilo City's affordable housing push. The Iloilo Residences in Sambag will deliver 362 rental units at approximately ₱850 monthly. The Uswag 4PH Condominium Complex in San Isidro broke ground earlier this year and will provide 1,677 condominium units. West Habog‑Habog hosts Batiano Village, a climate‑resilient community with 173 loft‑type units for families relocated from danger zones.
Hibao‑an, the fourth site, is also part of the city's expanding housing portfolio. Together, these projects represent a comprehensive strategy to provide decent, affordable shelter across multiple income segments. For teachers, the allocation means they can live within or near the communities they serve, reducing commuting time and improving their quality of life. The initiative complements the city's earlier distribution of free school supplies to over 74,000 students.
A Broader Commitment to Education
Mayor Treñas has consistently framed education as the city's top priority. The ISKUL Program, funded through the Special Education Fund and a ₱1.4‑billion supplemental budget, demonstrates how the city channels its resources directly into classrooms and households. The housing allocation for teachers extends that commitment beyond the school gates, recognizing that stable, affordable housing contributes to teacher retention and performance.
The city's Local Housing Office, led by Atty. Peter Jason Millare, has implemented a strict needs‑based allocation system to ensure fairness and transparency. Teachers interested in the housing units must meet the application requirements, which include income verification and first‑time homebuyer status. The city's proactive lot‑acquisition program, backed by a ₱200‑million DBP loan, has ensured that land is available when housing initiatives are approved.
Strengthening Iloilo's Property Market
For the real estate sector, the allocation of housing units to teachers represents a structural boost to demand. Colliers Philippines reported that Iloilo City's house‑and‑lot take‑up rate reached 96 percent in early 2026. Teachers, who hold stable government salaries, are an ideal demographic for affordable housing. By channeling them into formal, documented homeownership, the city is expanding its base of property taxpayers and mortgage‑ready residents.
The initiative also stabilizes neighborhoods around schools. When teachers live in the barangays where they work, they become invested community members. This strengthens social cohesion and enhances the desirability of residential areas near public schools. For developers, the policy signals that the local government is actively creating pathways to homeownership for essential workers, broadening the pool of qualified buyers.
