ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Government has officially passed the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Good Financial Housekeeping assessment for Calendar Year 2025, a powerful signal to investors that the city manages its resources with integrity and transparency. The recognition, announced by the city government on June 16, 2026, confirms that Iloilo meets the strictest standards of fiscal accountability.
The GFH award requires an unmodified or qualified audit opinion from the Commission on Audit and full compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy. Iloilo City secured both. This achievement directly follows the city's second consecutive unmodified opinion from COA, the highest audit rating possible, which was formally conferred on June 14, 2026.
A Seal of Trust for the Business Community
For the business and real estate sectors, a GFH pass is a critical indicator of a well‑governed city. It assures investors that the local government practices sound financial management, reducing the risk of fiscal mismanagement that can derail projects or lead to unpredictable tax policies. The DILG recognition serves as an independent validation of Iloilo City's financial credibility.
The GFH is a core component of the Seal of Good Local Governance program, which evaluates LGUs across multiple governance areas. Iloilo City has consistently ranked among the top five Philippine cities on the SGLG for three consecutive years. This sustained performance builds long‑term confidence among locators, developers, and financial institutions evaluating the city as an investment destination.
Transparency That Drives Economic Growth
Full compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy means the city government posts its financial documents—budgets, procurement reports, and audit findings—publicly and on time. This transparency allows businesses and citizens to scrutinize how public funds are spent. It creates a predictable and accountable environment essential for long‑term capital commitments.
Mayor Raisa Treñas described the GFH pass as "a meaningful highlight of our governance journey" that reflects "a whole‑of‑department effort from all city departments, offices, and personnel." City Accountant Michelle Lopez attributed the success to "diligent work, countless hours of reconciliation, tight schedules, and a team that is committed to getting things right." The 2026 city budget exceeds ₱4.5 billion.
Building on a Legacy of Good Governance
The GFH pass extends Iloilo City's strong track record of financial transparency. The city previously passed the assessment for CY 2023 and was among 15 cities in Western Visayas recognized for CY 2019. The city council has also pushed to institutionalize the Seal of Good Housekeeping across all 180 barangays.
This culture of accountability supports Iloilo's booming property market, which leads the Visayas‑Mindanao region with a 96 percent house‑and‑lot take‑up rate. The city has outpaced Metro Cebu in total office transactions, driven by BPO expansion and infrastructure improvements. The GFH recognition reinforces the message that Iloilo City is a safe, well‑governed, and investment‑ready destination.
