Iloilo Province, City finalists for 2024 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Province and Iloilo City have advanced to the final round of the 2024 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The Iloilo Provincial Government and the Iloilo City Mayor’s Office announced their inclusion in the finals on September 18.

The awards recognize local government units that have demonstrated exceptional efforts in promoting trade, investment, transparency, and accountability, contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

This recognition is part of PCCI’s annual search, which evaluates LGUs based on four key criteria: fast-tracking sustainable local economic development, ease of doing business, investment promotion, and enhancing sectoral competitiveness.

Iloilo Province is one of only five provinces, out of 82 nationwide, to reach the finals in the Province Level Category.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City, which was named the Most Business-Friendly City in 2023, is once again a contender under the City Level 1B Category (Highly Urbanized Cities outside NCR).

Both the province and the city will present their cases during the final judging on September 23 at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The final evaluation will focus on innovative practices and governance reforms aimed at improving the business environment and fostering partnerships with the private sector.

According to the PCCI’s guidelines and criteria, as outlined in a May 31 memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the assessment includes initiatives such as streamlining business permits, utilizing technological innovations, and adopting policies that enhance investment promotion.

The winners of the 2024 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards will be announced later this year.