ILOILO City is taking stronger steps to empower small-scale entrepreneurs. Mayor Raisa Treñas endorsed two landmark ordinances to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) – the “Iloilo City Nano Enterprise Incentives Ordinance of 2025” and the “Iloilo City Food Truck and Mobile Food Kiosk Regulation Ordinance of 2025.”
Both measures aim to expand livelihood opportunities, promote a dynamic and inclusive business environment, and ensure public safety and quality service across fast-growing sectors.
The Nano Enterprise Incentives Ordinance seeks to strengthen livelihood-based businesses with assets not exceeding P150,000 and with no more than two workers.
Mayor Treñas emphasized that the ordinance aims to promote an enabling business climate by extending fiscal incentives, technical support, and simplified regulatory processes aligned with national laws and the city’s inclusive development agenda.
“The City Government finds it proper to extend fiscal relief to nano enterprises through the exemption or reduction of regulatory and administrative fees, consistent with policies on MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) promotion, entrepreneurship and inclusive development,” read part of the mayor’s endorsement letter to the SP.
Nano enterprises include home-based food production; sari-sari stores and market stalls; mobile vending activities; repair and maintenance services; handicrafts and souvenir makers; tailoring services; grooming and beauty services; transport-related micro services; agricultural produce retailing; digital and freelance work; household services; and other small-scale livelihood ventures.
Under the ordinance, qualified nano enterprises may receive 50% discount on administrative and regulatory fees; access to mentoring, skills training, and livelihood programs offered Iloilo City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Iloilo City Negosyo Center; and assistance in formalizing business registration and Barangay Micro Business Enterprises accreditation.
Mayor Treñas said the measure is a significant step in expanding opportunities, strengthening livelihoods, and stimulating the local economy.
Meanwhile, to support another fast-growing sector, Mayor Treñas also endorsed the Food Truck and Mobile Food Kiosk Regulation Ordinance of 2025, which sets clear guidelines and support mechanisms to enhance operations while safeguarding consumers.
The mayor recognized food trucks and mobile kiosks as an innovative and thriving business model that generates employment, supports local farmers and suppliers, and contributes to tourism growth.
She stressed the importance of protecting the public while providing fair opportunities to small entrepreneurs.
The ordinance establishes licensing procedures, operational standards, health requirements, and environmental guidelines to ensure safe, clean, and quality service.
To help operators, the measure proposes start-up incentives which include 50% reduction in license fees during the first year, priority inclusion in city-sponsored food festivals and night markets, and entrepreneurial training through Micro and Small Enterprise Development programs.
Operations will be allowed only in areas recommended by the Technical Regulatory Committee (TRC).
Restrictions include no operations within 20 meters of schools, hospitals, churches, and government offices (except during events), no vending in no-vending zones, no operations in areas posing risks to public safety, among others.
Allowed operating hours are 5 p.m. to 6 a.m., extendable during festivals and night markets.
Operators must comply with national and local laws, including the Sanitation Code, fire and safety regulations, and environmental standards.
The TRC — together with LEDIP Office – Business Processing and Licensing Division (BPLD), City Health Office (CHO), and Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) — will oversee implementation and monitoring of the ordinance.
“With these two priority measures, we affirm the city’s commitment to building an inclusive, safe, and opportunity-rich business environment where small entrepreneurs are uplifted, supported, and empowered to grow,” said Mayor Treñas./PN
