Business Sector: Iloilo City’s Hall of Fame win affirms investors’ confidence, public-private partnership

Iloilo City’s induction into the Hall of Fame of the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards affirms the city’s sustained efforts to create an environment where businesses can invest, grow, and generate more opportunities for Ilonggos, business leaders said.

Business organizations welcomed the city’s recognition as the 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU in the Highly Urbanized City category, conferred by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at The Manila Hotel on October 14.

For the business sector, the distinction represents more than an award. It reflects the importance of responsive governance, efficient public services, and sustained collaboration between government and private enterprises in strengthening the local economy.

Iloilo City earned the distinction in 2023, 2025, and 2026, qualifying it for Hall of Fame recognition.
“The recognition is more than just an award. It reflects years of hard work, forward-thinking leadership, and a genuine commitment to making Iloilo City a place where businesses can start, survive, grow, and succeed,” the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo (PCCI-Iloilo), led by Noi Dongor, said in its congratulatory statement.

The local chamber underscored the value of its partnership with the Iloilo City Government, noting that meaningful cooperation between the public and private sectors helps support entrepreneurs, attract investments, and create economic opportunities.

It also emphasized that sustaining the city’s progress requires continued efforts to champion entrepreneurs, particularly nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

PCCI Region 6-Western Visayas Regional Governor Engr. Fulbert C. Woo likewise described local governments as important partners and enablers of economic growth, stressing their role in empowering MSMEs, attracting investments, and generating employment through business-friendly policies and collaboration with local chambers.

Woo said the achievement reflects the collective efforts of the city government, the business community, and other stakeholders in advancing Iloilo City’s economic development.

Meanwhile, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCII) cited the city’s efforts to make government transactions faster and more accessible through expanded digital business-permitting services, a Business One-Stop Shop, cashless payment options, and automated queuing and document-tracking systems.

FCCCII President Engr. Terence S. Uygongco said the recognition affirms the city’s commitment to responsive governance, innovation, and meaningful cooperation with the business community.
“Iloilo City’s success offers an inspiring example of what the government and private sector can accomplish through cooperation,” Uygongco added.

He also pointed to the city’s support for MSMEs through capacity-building and financing initiatives under its Negosyo Development Academy, as well as programs promoting technology-driven enterprises.
For PCCI Area Vice President for the Visayas Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, the Hall of Fame distinction reinforces Iloilo City’s position as a destination for business, commerce, and investment outside Metro Manila.

He credited the continuity of leadership under former mayor Jerry Treñas and incumbent Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, together with the support of the local business community, for helping advance the city’s economic development.

“May this serve as an inspiration to other local government units across the country to pursue excellence in local governance and economic dynamism. May this further inspire us to work even harder to ensure that all sectors of our community, especially our MSMEs, enjoy the fruits of these achievements,” Peñaflorida added.

The business leaders also stressed that the recognition should serve as a continuing commitment to improve the business climate and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach more sectors, especially MSMEs.

With the Hall of Fame distinction, the challenge now is to sustain the partnership between government and industry, strengthen support for local entrepreneurs, and translate investor confidence into more jobs, stronger enterprises, and inclusive economic growth for Ilonggos. (Iloilo City PIO)