ILOILO City – More than a recognition of business-friendly governance, Iloilo City’s induction into the Hall of Fame of the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards reflects a shared commitment to helping businesses thrive and ensuring that economic opportunities reach more Ilonggos, business leaders said.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) conferred the 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU award in the Highly Urbanized City category on Iloilo City during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at The Manila Hotel on October 14. The city’s wins in 2023, 2025, and 2026 qualified it for the Hall of Fame distinction.
For Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, the recognition belongs not only to the city government but also to the entrepreneurs and stakeholders whose hard work contributes to Iloilo City’s economic progress.
“Dako nga dungog para sa Iloilo City nga mabaton ang Hall of Fame Award. Pero ini nga pagkilala indi lamang para sa akon ukon sa Iloilo City Government. Para ini sa aton mga negosyante, investors, MSMEs, business organizations, kag sa tanan nga nagabulig sa pag-uswag sang aton siyudad,” Treñas said.
The mayor said making Iloilo City a favorable place for businesses is a personal advocacy, emphasizing that even the smallest enterprises deserve opportunities to grow and succeed.
“Indi lamang ang dalagko nga investors kag companies ang dapat naton buligan. Kinahanglan nga ang aton mga magagmay nga negosyante — ang may sari-sari store, carinderia, food business, kag iban pa nga micro kag nano enterprises — may access man sa suporta sang gobyerno,” she said.
“I want to see our small businesses become bigger businesses,” Treñas added.
To strengthen this commitment, the city is pursuing measures such as the Nano Enterprise Incentives Ordinance, the institutionalization of the Negosyo Development Academy, the Nano Food Truck Ordinance, and startup development programs.
PCCI-Iloilo, led by Noi Dongor, welcomed the recognition, describing it as a reflection of sustained efforts to make Iloilo City a place where businesses can start, survive, grow, and succeed. The chamber also underscored the importance of continued cooperation between government and the private sector in supporting entrepreneurs and attracting investments.
PCCI Region 6-Western Visayas Regional Governor Engr. Fulbert C. Woo likewise emphasized the role of local governments in empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), attracting investments, and generating employment through business-friendly policies and collaboration with local chambers.
The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCII) cited the city’s digital business-permitting services, Business One-Stop Shop, cashless payment options, and automated queuing and document-tracking systems as initiatives that help make government transactions more efficient and accessible.
FCCCII president Engr. Terence S. Uygongco, who also chairs the Iloilo Economic Development (ILED) Foundation Inc., 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 said.
PCCI Area Vice President for the Visayas Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida said the distinction reinforces Iloilo City’s position as a destination for business, commerce, and investment outside Metro Manila. He also cited leadership continuity under former mayor Jerry Treñas and Mayor Raisa Treñas, together with the support of the business community, as important factors in the city’s economic development.
The Iloilo Business Club, Inc., led by President Ma Luisa C. Segovia, likewise congratulated the city government, saying the Hall of Fame distinction reflects Iloilo City’s sustained commitment to good governance, a business-friendly environment, and economic growth.
The group also emphasized continued public-private sector collaboration to strengthen the city’s competitiveness and create more opportunities for businesses, investors, and the Ilonggo community.
Meanwhile, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Iloilo showed that Iloilo City’s economy grew by 6.1 percent in 2025, led by Industry at 7.0 percent, followed by Services at 6.0 percent and Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing at 5.1 percent. This growth reflects the city’s economic momentum and provides a positive backdrop for business and investor confidence, further reinforcing the importance of sustaining a business-friendly environment and strong public-private partnerships.
Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. also congratulated Mayor Treñas and the city government, saying the three-time achievement reflects policy continuity, stable governance, and the foundation laid by former mayor Jerry Treñas and carried forward by the incumbent administration.
“This award is not just about ease of doing business. It is about jobs created, MSMEs empowered, investments realized, and the overall improvement in the quality of life of our people,” Defensor said, adding that the provincial government fully supports Iloilo City’s economic development efforts.
For Mayor Treñas, the Hall of Fame distinction is not the end goal but a renewed responsibility to improve public services, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that smaller enterprises are not left behind.
The challenge moving forward is to make the recognition felt beyond the awarding ceremony—through businesses that grow, jobs that are created, investments that translate into opportunities, and more Ilonggo families who benefit from a stronger and more inclusive local economy./PN
