ILOILO City – Business and government leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration as a catalyst for regional progress during the “What’s Up Western Visayas 2025” conference held July 18 at the Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.
The event, now in its third year, drew over 200 participants — including entrepreneurs, top executives, and local government officials — for a day-long exchange on how to drive innovation, promote integration, and ensure inclusive development in the region.
Held under the theme “Innovate. Integrate. Elevate: Powering Western Visayas for the Future,” the conference formed part of the Iloilo Business Month and was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo chapter, with support from key local stakeholders.
The program opened with messages from PCCI Western Visayas regional governor Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida, Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., and Iloilo City’s Mayor Raisa Treñas — all highlighting the importance of synergy between the private sector and local government.
PCCI-Iloilo president Engr. Fulbert Woo called the event “a testament to the power of partnerships,” crediting the collaboration between business chambers, LGUs, and civil society for the conference’s sustained success.
Among the featured speakers was Prof. Oscar Bulaong Jr. of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, who tackled the value of purpose-driven leadership.
MORE Electric and Power Corporation president and chief executive officer Roel Castro followed with a presentation on regional opportunities in energy and infrastructure.
Dom Hernandez of Kaya Founders discussed angel investing and strategic franchising, particularly tailored for the local entrepreneurial landscape.
In the afternoon sessions, Carelon Global Solutions’ Judy Murillo and Sprout Solutions chief operating officer Kislay Chandra emphasized workforce development and tech-enabled innovation.
Chandra urged stakeholders to localize technology, stressing the importance of grounding it in “local pain points,” while Murillo underscored up-skilling as essential to unlocking the region’s human capital.
Rounding out the lineup were Prof. Xavier Alpasa of Xavier and Associates on social enterprise development, and television personality Boy Abunda, who shared insights on branding and authenticity in the digital era.
Organizers said the conference aims to equip stakeholders with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to address both current challenges and emerging opportunities in Western Visayas./PN