ILOILO — Passi City has secured a spot among the Top 5 finalists in the Class 3 Category of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Search for the Most Business-Friendly LGU in the Philippines. The achievement follows the city's final presentation on September 24, 2026, at the PCCI Office in McKinley Hills, Taguig City.
A Historic Achievement for Passi City
Representing the city were City Government Department Head Jayson Padilla of the Office of the City Business Permits and Licenses, and LEDIPO Officer-in-Charge Dr. Jenilee Jan C. Torilla. They were joined by Vener Pasoquin of BPLO and Joan M. Padrones of LEDIPO. Their collective effort showcased the city's commitment to governance excellence.
The final presentation marked the culmination of months of preparation and evaluation. Passi City's inclusion in the Top 5 reflects national recognition of its sustained efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses. The City Government under Mayor Stephen A. Palmares and Vice Mayor Elyzer C. Chavez, together with the Sangguniang Panlungsod, provided full support throughout the process.
Digital Reforms Impress PCCI Judges
The team highlighted the city's digitalized business permit processing and eLGU system as key drivers of improved ease of doing business. These reforms cut through traditional bureaucracy, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to secure permits faster and at lower cost. The shift to digital transactions has reduced face-to-face interactions and minimized opportunities for delays.
INVEST PASSI, the city's investment promotion initiative, also took center stage during the presentation. It promotes priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and agro-processing. By attracting new capital into these areas, the program aims to generate employment and stimulate economic activity across the city and surrounding barangays.
Benefits That Reach Every Passiño
National recognition from the PCCI signals to investors that Passi City is a safe and efficient place to establish operations. This validation can draw new businesses, creating jobs for local workers and expanding economic opportunities for families. As business activity grows, the local government collects higher revenues that fund public services and infrastructure.
Improved revenue streams directly support healthcare facilities, road improvements, and community projects. Local entrepreneurs benefit from streamlined processes, while farmers gain from investments in agro-processing that boost food security and income. The ripple effects of good governance reach every sector of society.
Iloilo's Regional Excellence Shines
Passi City's nomination is part of a broader trend of administrative excellence across Iloilo. In 2026, the Iloilo Provincial Government, Iloilo City, and the Municipality of Mina were all named national PCCI finalists. This collective achievement cements Iloilo's reputation as one of the most business-friendly and well-governed regions in the Philippines.
The province's consistent performance in governance awards reflects a culture of innovation and accountability. Local leaders have prioritized transparency, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement. These values have created an ecosystem where businesses can thrive and communities can prosper.
