Calling Global Ilonggo Professionals: Come Back Home and Build a Brighter Future Here

By Ken Lerona

A year ago, I made a decision that had been on my mind for some time—I came back home to Iloilo. After years of working with multinational and national organizations, I had grown used to the fast pace of life in bigger cities, the wealth of opportunities, and the exposure to world-class innovation. But something kept pulling me back. Iloilo was changing, and I could feel it.

Coming home wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about recognizing the incredible potential of our city and province and wanting to be part of its transformation. I didn’t return to slow down; I came back to build something meaningful. What I’ve found in the past year is that Iloilo is no longer the city we once knew—it’s on the rise, and it’s calling its people back to help shape its future.

Iloilo’s Time Has Come

Iloilo is now one of the fastest-growing economies in the country. No longer just a quiet cultural hub, it is becoming a major center for trade, agriculture, education, lifestyle, and innovation in the Visayas. International flights are opening Iloilo to global markets, making it easier for businesses to connect beyond our borders. The Visayas Container Terminal is strengthening our position as a logistics hub, and with the construction of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge finally underway, Iloilo is becoming a vital link between key economic regions.

Government leaders are also making bold moves to position Iloilo as a viable alternative for business process outsourcing (BPO) companies looking for locations outside Metro Manila and Cebu. Infrastructure projects continue to modernize the city and province, yet Iloilo has managed to retain its charm, its livability, and its deep sense of community. Even beyond the city, developments are now spreading across the province, creating new centers of opportunity in towns that were once left behind.

Why It’s Time to Come Back

With all these changes, Iloilo is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to build. And as the city grows, it needs Ilonggos with global experience to help shape its future.

Our local economy is expanding, but real, sustainable progress will require professionals who understand international standards and best practices. We need experts who can bridge the gap between local industries and global trends—leaders in trade, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, retail, digital transformation, healthcare, fintech, learning and development, research, and academia. These fields are growing fast, but to truly thrive, they need professionals who can introduce fresh ideas and modern strategies while keeping our community’s values intact.

Singapore offers a valuable case study. When the city-state faced a talent drain, its government launched programs to bring back its best and brightest. It didn’t just appeal to sentiment—it presented a vision. Singaporeans who returned were given opportunities that matched, if not exceeded, what they had abroad. Their expertise became the fuel for national progress. Today, Singapore stands as a global powerhouse, thanks in large part to those who chose to return and contribute.

Iloilo is now at a similar turning point. If we want to continue this upward trajectory, we need Ilonggos who are willing to take the leap—those who can bring their global insights home and turn them into tangible progress.

More Than Just Jobs—It’s About Building Something Meaningful

Coming home isn’t just about finding a job. Iloilo is fast becoming a place where entrepreneurship can flourish. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, now is the time. The local market is ready for innovation, and there is plenty of room for new ideas to thrive.

When I came back a year ago, I wasn’t looking to simply continue what I had been doing elsewhere. I wanted to create something here—to use my experience to help local businesses grow, to mentor, to collaborate, and to contribute to an Iloilo that is rapidly evolving. And I’ve found that there is an incredible energy in the city, a hunger for fresh perspectives, and a growing openness to change.

To the Government: Support Returning Ilonggo Talents

For this movement to gain momentum, the government must play an active role. While the city and province are already making strides in attracting investors and businesses, there is a clear need for programs that specifically target the return of Ilonggo global talents.

Incentives such as tax breaks for returning entrepreneurs, startup grants, professional reintegration programs, and access to industry networks can make the decision to come home even more compelling. Creating dedicated initiatives for returning Ilonggo professionals—similar to what Singapore implemented—would not only enrich our local workforce but also accelerate Iloilo’s growth as a regional hub for innovation and excellence.

The public and private sectors must work together to create an ecosystem where global talents can thrive, knowing that their return home is not just welcomed but supported with concrete opportunities to contribute meaningfully.

The Future Is Being Written—Be Part of It

Iloilo is not the same city it was a decade ago, and in another ten years, it will look even more different. The question is, will we let others define that change for us, or will we take part in shaping it ourselves?

This is not just an invitation to come back home—it’s a call to build. To lead. To create an Iloilo that doesn’t just compete with other cities in the Philippines but earns its place on the global stage.

Imagine building a career where you don’t have to choose between success and quality of life. Imagine being surrounded by fellow Ilonggos who, like you, have seen the world and are ready to bring the best of it home. Imagine raising your family in a city that offers modern amenities while staying true to the values that make Iloilo special.

Come back home. Bring your expertise, your experiences, and your vision. Let’s build a stronger, more innovative, and world-class Iloilo—together.

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Ken Lerona is a marketing and branding leader with over 20 years of experience. He conducts talks and workshops for private and government organizations and consults on innovation and reputational risk management. Connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenlerona.