ILOILO City – Seeking to energize the city’s smallest and often overlooked income earners, Mayor Raisa Treñas has endorsed a landmark measure that aims to ease the financial and bureaucratic hurdles faced by nano enterprises — businesses typically run from homes, market stalls, and single-person operations.
The proposed Iloilo City Nano Enterprise Incentives Ordinance of 2025 was formally forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, signaling what City Hall describes as a decisive move to strengthen grassroots livelihood and expand economic participation among low-capital ventures.
Mayor Treñas’ spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, said the measure is designed to simplify requirements, lessen costs, and deliver technical support so small entrepreneurs can start and sustain their businesses.
“Tinutuyo sini nga indi mabudlayan ang mga nagapaumpisa pa lang. Gusto naton nga mas madali para sa ila ang pagpatukod kag pagpadayon sang negosyo,” she said.
Gorzal noted that many Ilonggos aspire to start livelihood projects but are discouraged by fees and documentation.
Under the proposal, nano enterprises — defined as businesses with assets below P150,000 and no more than two workers — may receive a 50-percent discount on administrative and regulatory fees. They will also gain access to mentoring, skills training, and livelihood programs offered by LEDIPO, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Iloilo City Negosyo Center.
Gorzal stressed that knowledge-based assistance is as critical as financial support.
“Ang skills training kag mentoring importante gid, ilabi na sa gamay nga negosyo. Ini nga ordinansa naga-assure nga indi lang kwarta ang bulig, kundi kaalam man para mag-uswag sila,” she said.
The proposed ordinance covers a wide range of nano businesses, including home-based food ventures, sari-sari stores, tailors, beauty and barber services, street vending, handicrafts, repair work, small transport operations, digital freelance services, agricultural retail, and other low-capital activities./PN