The Iloilo city government in the Central Philippines formalized an agreement with the Iloilo Tourism Foundation Inc on May 5. This memorandum of agreement (MOA) aims to enhance local tourism by revising the city’s tourism development plan and updating its ten-year-old tourism code.

Mayor Jerry Treñas and MICE Centre representative Maria Lea Victoria Lara represented the city, while the foundation was represented by President Joseph Del Rosario and Vice President Sandra Gomez.

Lara explained that the agreement includes collaboration on various tourism initiatives that align with the Philippine Tourism Plan and incorporate recent developments such as the newly-passed MICE Ordinance. She noted that the 2013 tourism code is outdated, especially regarding tour circuits and culinary tourism.

The partnership intends to finalize updates to the development plan within the year and amend the tourism code thereafter. Additionally, Mayor Treñas issued Executive Order No. 40, series of 2025, to revitalize the Iloilo City Tourism Council, tasked with crafting a strategic tourism plan and overseeing local tourism activities.