BACOLOD City — The city government here received a Special Citation for Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) during the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) — the country’s largest business gathering — held on October 20 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the recognition honors Bacolod’s commitment to innovative programs that improve connectivity, attract investments, and support local entrepreneurship. This year’s conference theme was: “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation.”
On behalf of Mayor Greg Gasataya, Dr. Frances Mae Llamas, head of the city’s Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (D-LEDIP), and City Budget head Imelda Williams accepted the citation plaque.
Llamas explained that the award was based on five key areas: fast-tracking sustainable local economic development (LED); ease of doing business (EODB) initiatives; investment promotion initiatives; enhancing sectoral competitiveness; and alignment of target industries with LGU resources.
The plaque, signed by Consul Enunina Mangio, PCCI president, cited Bacolod for its blend of cultural vibrancy and economic innovation, positioning the city as a premier hub for IT-BPM services, creative industries, and sustainable tourism in Western Visayas.
By fostering a business climate rooted in hospitality, creativity, and resilience, Bacolod continues to attract investments, empower local enterprises, and demonstrate how a community’s unique identity can drive inclusive growth and global competitiveness.
Bacolod ranked among the Top 5 LGUs under the City Level 1B (Provincial Highly Urbanized Cities) category for this year’s Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards. Other cities in the top five include Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo.
Mayor Gasataya extended his congratulations to the city, saying: “Padayon ang aton mga programa sa pagbukas sang mas damo pa nga mga oportunidad sa pag-ubra, pagnegosyo, kag pagpasanyog sang aton ekonomiya.”
The PCCI recognizes LGUs that demonstrate outstanding efforts in implementing good governance reforms to promote trade and investments, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivering business services. The award initiative aims to highlight innovations, success stories, and best practices that enable businesses to thrive sustainably and competitively in partnership with the private sector./PN
