ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government officially launched the Nano Enterprise Incentive Ordinance, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide greater support and incentives to the city’s smallest yet most determined entrepreneurs.
In her message, Mayor Raisa S. Treñas emphasized that the local government listens to and recognizes the vital contributions of nano entrepreneurs to the city’s economy. As a former entrepreneur herself, she shared that she understands how challenging it is to start a business.
“Bilang isa ka entrepreneur sang una, bal-an ko nga mabudlay gid, so ano aton nga gin ubra? Kaupod sang council, kag gin-author ni Councilor Migs Treñas, nagpasar kita sang ordinansa nga makahatag discount sa aton mga nano entrepreneurs,” the Mayor shared.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance granting graduated discounts on regulatory fees and business permits to nano enterprises with capital not exceeding P250,000 — including sari-sari stores, carinderias, beauty parlors, repair shops, and other small service providers.
Under the newly-approved ordinance, qualified nano enterprises will receive a 75 percent discount on regulatory fees and business tax in their first year of registration, followed by 50 percent in the second year and 25 percent in the third year. Ambulant vendors are excluded from the coverage.
Beyond financial relief, the program also offers capacity-building support, including trainings in merchandising, financial literacy, and business management, modeled after the Uswag Negosyo Academy. Graduates of the program will receive an additional P5,000 capital assistance to help expand their businesses.
Mayor Treñas expressed the city’s vision of helping nano enterprises grow into bigger, more sustainable ventures within the next five years.
“Buligan namon kamo para mapasanyog ang inyo negosyo. Kay kon mag-uswag ang inyo negosyo, maga-uswag ang pamilya ninyo. Lauman niyo nga ara kami sa inyo nga likod,” she said.
Councilor Miguel Treñas, author of the Nano Enterprise Support Ordinance, thanked all partners who helped make the initiative possible. He described the program as a gift to Ilonggo entrepreneurs.
“As what we have emphasized when we proposed and defended this legislative measure in the August Hall of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, the aim of this ordinance is very meaningful and simple… luyag guid naton hatagan sang special discount sa mga regulatory fees and business taxes ang mga negosyo kasubong sang mga sari-sari stores, carenderias kag start-up businesses diri sa Iloilo City,” he said.
He further highlighted that supporting nano enterprises strengthens Iloilo City’s overall business climate. “When business is good, we create jobs, boost tourism, reduce poverty, and build a stronger community,” he said.
Councilor Treñas also assured that implementation of the ordinance will remain consultative and responsive, with continuous stakeholder feedback to ensure the program effectively meets community needs.
“I am hopeful that through this ordinance, mangin inspired kamo nga mag negosyo diri sa aton syudad. Rest assured of our full support. Handum namun ang inyo kadalag-an. Kay ang inyo pag-uswag, kauswagan naton tanan,” he added.
Also present during the launching was City Councilor Miguel S. Treñas, who authored the ordinance and actively supports policies that advance small and emerging businesses. Messages of support were also shared by leaders from the government and private sector, including the Department of Trade and Industry Region 6, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo, Bankers Association of Iloilo, GCash, and Palawan Group of Companies.
In addition, banks and financial institutions set up on-site booths, allowing participants to directly access financial services during the event, further strengthening the support ecosystem for Iloilo’s nano entrepreneurs./PN
