From Pride to Progress: Turning Ilonggo Excellence into a Stronger Community

By Ken Lerona

There is no doubt that Ilonggos take great pride in their heritage. We celebrate our culture, our history, and our achievements—whether it’s our UNESCO-recognized gastronomy, our beautiful urban planning, or our reputation as one of the most livable cities in the country. And in recent years, our pride has been further reinforced by the remarkable talents emerging from our universities—board exam topnotchers, award-winning professionals, and globally competitive graduates.

But pride alone will not build a better future. If we truly believe in Iloilo’s potential, we must translate our sense of pride into a deeper sense of community. And that means giving back—not just in words, but in action.

A Talent Pool Waiting to Be Tapped

Iloilo produces some of the best minds in the country. Our universities and training institutions churn out highly skilled graduates ready to take on national and international markets. But too often, our top talents leave for Manila, Cebu, or abroad in search of “better opportunities.” While we can never blame anyone for seeking growth elsewhere, we must also ask: what if we directed this same ambition and excellence toward our own city and province?

Many argue that opportunities here are limited, or that wage disparities between the capital and the provinces make it more practical to leave. But these very challenges should push us to create the kind of economic and business environment that can support high-caliber professionals right here in Iloilo. The fact is, progress does not happen in a vacuum. If we want a thriving local economy, we—its professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers—must be willing to help build it.

Strengthening Business, Strengthening Community

A strong sense of community does not just mean civic engagement; it also means economic participation. Professionals who stay and contribute to Iloilo’s industries—whether in business, technology, education, healthcare, or the creative sector—are not just advancing their own careers; they are shaping the very foundation of a globally competitive Iloilo.

Imagine an Iloilo where top engineers don’t leave for Manila but instead build world-class infrastructure here. Where IT experts don’t join tech firms elsewhere, but create startups that put Iloilo on the innovation map. Where business leaders don’t just expand into other markets but nurture homegrown enterprises that generate jobs and wealth for Ilonggos. This vision is not only possible; it is already starting to take shape. But we need more of it.

A Call to Action: Stay, Build, and Elevate Iloilo

For those who see the gaps in our local market, the question should not just be “why is there no opportunity here?” but “how can we create it?” Entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders have a chance to mold Iloilo’s future—one that is not just thriving locally but also competing globally.

We have seen what happens when cities invest in their own talent. Singapore, for example, has created an environment where homegrown professionals drive innovation, and economic policies encourage local participation in nation-building. We may not be Singapore, but we can take lessons from its model and apply them in a way that makes sense for Iloilo.

The choice to leave or stay is always a personal one. But for those who want to make a difference, staying and building a future here is one of the most powerful decisions you can make. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about contributing to a progressive, self-sustaining community where Ilonggos don’t just take pride in where they come from—but take action to shape where we are going.

This is our home. Let’s build it together.

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.