ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City has earned Hall of Fame status after being named the Philippines' 2026 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit in the City Level 1B category by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The award was presented during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at The Manila Hotel on October 14, 2026.
A Third Win in Five Years
Mayor Raisa S. Treñas personally received the award alongside Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office head Velma Jane Lao. The recognition marks the city's third win within five years, following victories in 2023 and 2025, securing its induction into the PCCI Hall of Fame.
The award affirms Iloilo City's sustained efforts to strengthen the local economy and attract investments. It recognizes the city's commitment to business-friendly governance, streamlined public services, innovation, and meaningful public-private partnerships that create an environment where enterprises can thrive.
Championing Micro and Nano Enterprises
Mayor Treñas emphasized that her advocacy extends beyond large investors and corporations. She stressed the importance of supporting small entrepreneurs, including sari-sari store owners, carinderia operators, and food businesses, ensuring they have access to government support.
"Amo ini ang rason kun ngaa ginaduso naton ang mga programa kag ordinansa nga makabulig sa ila," she said. These include the Nano Enterprise Incentives Ordinance, the institutionalization of the Negosyo Development Academy, the Nano Food Truck Ordinance, and startup development initiatives. She added that another ordinance is being studied by the city council to help more Ilonggos start and grow their businesses.
Reforms That Make Government Faster
The city has pursued reforms to make transactions faster and more accessible. These include digital business-permitting services, a Business One-Stop Shop, cashless payment options, automated queuing, and document-tracking systems. These measures reduce red tape and improve the overall ease of doing business in the city.
Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises has also been strengthened through capacity-building and financing initiatives under the Negosyo Development Academy. Startup development and incentives programs encourage technology-driven enterprises to establish roots in Iloilo.
Business Groups Laud the Recognition
The achievement drew congratulations from various business organizations, including PCCI-Visayas, PCCI Iloilo, and the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. FCCCII President Engr. Terence S. Uygongco said the award affirms Iloilo City's sustained commitment to responsive governance, innovation, and cooperation with the business community.
PCCI-Visayas Area Vice President Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida described the Hall of Fame induction as proof of Iloilo City's standing as a premier investment hub in the Visayas. He credited continuity in leadership and the business community's support for the city's economic initiatives.
A Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Mayor Treñas said the recognition is not the end of their work but a reason to improve services further. She expressed hope that small businesses would grow into larger enterprises, creating jobs and helping other families.
"A truly business-friendly city is one where every entrepreneur, big or small, has a fair chance to succeed," she said. The recognition underscores the importance of sustained cooperation between the local government and the private sector in promoting inclusive economic growth.
