Iloilo City named most business-friendly outside NCR

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City was recognized as the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit under the City Level 1B – Highly Urbanized Cities Outside NCR category during the 51st Philippine Business Conference in Pasay City on Tuesday, October 21.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu and Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer Velma Jane Lao received the award on behalf of the city government.

The Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards is an annual program organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It recognizes cities, municipalities, and provinces that demonstrate excellence in promoting a conducive business climate, ease of doing business, economic development, investment promotion, and sectoral competitiveness.

Treñas-Chu said the award reflects the collective effort of Ilonggos to make Iloilo City an ideal place for business and investment.

“This recognition affirms our continuous efforts to make Iloilo City a more prosperous and better place for business and opportunities,” she said.

“We are truly grateful to our investors, the business community, and everyone who believes in and trusts the potential of our city,” she added.

Iloilo City previously received the national award in 2019 and 2023, earned a Special Citation in 2020 and 2022, and was a national finalist in 2021.

Meanwhile, the PCCI-Iloilo Chapter Inc. was conferred the Hall of Fame Award as the Most Outstanding Local Chamber of the Philippines after winning the national title for three consecutive years — 2023, 2024, and 2025.

PCCI-Iloilo President Engr. Fulbert C. Woo, Chairman Felix Tiu, and Vice President Jerduen Dongor personally received the award during the same event.