Guv pitches good governance as Iloilo’s business edge
By Mariela Angella Oladive
ILOILO CITY — Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. put good governance at the center of the province’s bid for the 2026 Most Business-Friendly Province award during the final judging of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Defensor presented Iloilo’s entry before the PCCI panel at the PCCI office in Taguig City, where the province competed with Camarines Sur, Cavite, Davao del Norte, and Tarlac for the provincial title.
“Good governance is our platform. Good governance is business-friendly,” Defensor said during the presentation.
The governor cited several initiatives to demonstrate how the provincial government has linked governance with local economic development.
These include efforts to promote renewable energy in government facilities and the private sector, digitalization initiatives for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through partnerships with the PCCI and the Department of Trade and Industry, and the development of growth centers in municipalities.
The province also highlighted efforts to strengthen the value chains of its agriculture and tourism sectors, including linkages with manufacturing.
Ma. Pamela Quizon, chancellor of the Philippine Tax Academy-Local Government Finance Institute and one of the panelists, also cited the province’s financial health practices, saying these could serve as a framework for other local governments.
Themed “Raising the Bar: Empowering Business for a Resilient Future,” the 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards recognize local governments for initiatives aimed at improving the business environment, promoting trade and investment, and supporting local economic development.
The PCCI evaluates finalists in four areas: innovation and digital transformation; ease of doing business; sustainable local economic development and Sustainable Development Goals integration; and investment promotion and competitiveness enhancement.
It was the fourth consecutive year that Iloilo made it to the top five finalists, dating to 2023.
The province placed second in 2024 and received a special citation that year for infrastructure initiatives supporting sustainable urban development and new growth centers.
Two other local governments from Iloilo province are also competing in the 2026 finals.
The municipality of Mina is among the top five finalists in the Municipal Level 2 category, along with Dolores, Quezon; Magallanes, Cavite; Sampaloc, Quezon; and San Felipe, Zambales.
Passi City, meanwhile, is a finalist in the City Level 3 category.
It will compete against Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Baliwag City, Bulacan; Calaca City, Batangas; and Iriga City, Camarines Sur.
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