Biz conference highlights innovation, inclusion, regional growth

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

More than 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers from across Western Visayas gathered on July 18 for What’s Up, Western Visayas to spotlight innovation, collaboration and inclusive growth as drivers of regional progress.

The conference, a flagship event of Iloilo Business Month, carried the theme “Innovate. Integrate. Elevate: Powering Western Visayas for the Future.”

The event featured a full-day program of plenary talks, fireside chats and networking sessions designed to foster public-private partnerships and inspire transformative action.

PCCI Western Visayas Regional Governor Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida emphasized the importance of collaboration and people-centered growth in shaping the region’s future.

“The question is: What’s up, Western Visayas? I’m confidently sure—it’s MORE POWER with Roel Castro, MORE PROGRESS through the leadership of Governor Toto Defensor, and we will surely RISE to action with the call of Mayor Raisa Trenas,” he said.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo Chapter President Engr. Fulbert Woo described the event as more than an annual gathering, calling it a “growing movement” that blends learning, leadership and community empowerment.

“We believe that as Western Visayas and Iloilo continue to grow, our people must grow with it. That means strengthening our skills, sharpening our leadership and fueling our passion for innovation and service,” he said.

Capping the event was a keynote by media icon Boy Abunda, who delivered a deeply personal and powerful message on authentic branding.

Drawing from his own life experiences, Abunda emphasized that real innovation starts with self-awareness and empathy.

“Innovation is not rejection of present concepts […] Innovation is being able to adapt, is being able to adjust, is being able to recognize the merits of an existing concept and dribble it to a better one,” he said.

Abunda added that building an authentic brand begins with embracing and sharing one’s true self.

He noted that real success rarely stems from comfort, but rather from the will to keep rising despite adversity.

What’s Up, Western Visayas is part of the two-month Iloilo Business Month organized by PCCI Iloilo to foster cross-sector collaboration and elevate the local business landscape.