ILOILO City – This southern city continues to reap local, national and international recognitions — clear proof of the city government’s effective leadership and good governance.
On October 21 alone, the city earned three major awards.
First, Iloilo City was declared national winner as Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (City Level 1B) by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for 2025, for adopting and instituting innovative and best practices in good governance in partnership with the private sector — significantly benefiting the business community and the citizenry in the metro.
Mayor Raisa S. Treñas received the award together with Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office head Velma Jane Lao during the 51st Philippine Business Conference held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“We take great pride in this recognition because it reflects our continuous efforts to make Iloilo City a more conducive place for business. The more investments we attract, the more opportunities we create for our people — and that means more jobs and a stronger economy,” said Mayor Treñas.
Iloilo City won the same award in 2023 and among the Top 5 finalists in 2024.
Various sectors congratulated the Iloilo City Government for the well-deserved recognition.
The Iloilo Business Club (IBC) said the achievement reflects the city’s dedication to progress, where strong partnerships between the local government and the private sector create opportunities that uplift not only enterprises but also the entire community.
“Iloilo City has exemplified what it truly means to lead with vision, competence, and integrity – creating an environment where businesses and communities thrive together. IBC takes great pride in witnessing Iloilo City’s continued rise as a model of good governance and economic dynamism,” read part of the message signed by IBC president Ma. Luisa Segovia.
The Iloilo Economic Development (ILED) Foundation, through chairperson Engr. Terence Uygongco, also sent warm greetings via a video message.
“Together, let us keep moving forward to make Iloilo a globally competitive city where business thrives and people prosper,” Uygongco said.
Other groups and institutions that extended their congratulations to Iloilo City and Mayor Treñas included Innovate Iloilo, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panay, Inc. (FFCCCI), and MORE Electric and Power Corporation.
Second, the city, through the Data Assessment and System Management Office (DASMO), emerged as champion in the Cyber Range Exercises organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 6.
Ericson F. Carganillo of DASMO was awarded Top 1 Performer, while the entire DASMO team received the Top Performing Agency Award for the Iloilo City Government.
Third, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) honored the city as an Exemplary Employer Awardee (Government Sector) for its outstanding commitment to implementing PhilHealth programs and promoting employee welfare.
The award recognized the city’s integrity and dedication in ensuring accurate reporting, timely remittances, and active participation in programs like PhilHealth Konsulta, which aims to strengthen health coverage for public servants.
Earlier, on October 15, Iloilo City also stood out as the only recipient in Western Visayas of the Distinguished Award for Advancing Animal Welfare from the Department of Agriculture (DA). The recognition was given for the city’s initiatives in promoting and protecting animal welfare through the implementation of Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act.
On the same day, Iloilo City’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) was awarded as the Best Performing PESO in the Philippines under the Highly Urbanized City (HUC) Category, during the National PESO Congress in Tagaytay City.
This marked the third consecutive year the office has received the honor since 2023, officially earning its Hall of Fame distinction.
In addition, the City Health Office (CHO) garnered over 20 awards from the Department of Health – Western Visayas for its various health development programs and outstanding performance in local health governance.
Meanwhile, in September, Iloilo City was recognized at the Southeast Asia Mobility Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as one of the Most Promising Cities for Public Transport and a Bicycle-Friendly City.
According to Mayor Treñas, the recognition affirms the city’s direction toward building a sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered mobility system — one that provides safer, greener, and more efficient transportation for all Ilonggos.
Earlier this year, in June, the Philippine National Police (PNP) named Iloilo City the Top Performing Highly Urbanized City for peace and order initiatives, while the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) was recognized as the Best Performing City Police Office in the country.
“These achievements are not just awards for the city government — they are a testament to our collective commitment as Ilonggos to work together for progress, good governance, and a better quality of life for all,” Mayor Treñas said./PN
