PCCI Iloilo highlights centennial legacy ahead of 120th year

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The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI Iloilo) held a press conference on Thursday to unveil plans for the 120 Years Celebration of the Iloilo Chamber Movement set for December 8, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City.

Hosted at the Citron Room of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, the event brought together media partners and key stakeholders to present program highlights, award recognitions, and the Chamber’s legacy as one of the oldest business organizations in the country.

Mr. Frank Y. Limsui, PCCI Iloilo vice president for internal affairs, delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of President Engr. Fulbert C. Woo.

He emphasized the crucial role of media in shaping Iloilo’s development narrative, stating the celebration underscores “strong collaboration between the business community and media institutions.”

PCCI Iloilo Vice President Jerduen “Noi” Dongor gave an overview of the December 8 event, tracing the Chamber’s history to early leaders such as Raymundo Melliza (1904–1908) and Walter Smith (1918–1923), who led the region’s earliest organized business efforts.

“Over the decades, through war, reconstruction, economic transition, and modernization, successive leaders sustained the Chamber’s mission—making it one of the oldest and most enduring business institutions in the country,” Dongor said.

“This 120-year journey reflects Iloilo’s long tradition of enterprise and the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to advancing economic opportunities for the community,” he added.

Chairman Felix H. Tiu unveiled this year’s recipients of the Captain of the Industry Award, which honors business leaders for their contributions to Iloilo’s economy. The honorees include:

• Agriculture: Emil Anthony Po
• Education: Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo
• Food Services: Raymundo Robles
• Hardware: Tomas Tan
• Healthcare: Dr. Vicente Villareal
• Hospitality: Romeo Go
• Manufacturing: Alfonso Uy
• Media: Dr. Rogelio Florete
• Posthumous – Wholesale: Rodolfo Tiu
• Posthumous – General Merchandise: Que Hua Pho
• Real Estate: Bernadette Tiu
• Transportation: Jan Andrew Po

Program Chair Francis V. Gerona announced the three categories for the Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards 2025:

• Ilonggo Entrepreneur of the Year
• Young Ilonggo Entrepreneur of the Year
• Aspiring Entrepreneur of the Year

The press conference concluded with a question-and-answer segment moderated by Mr. Prince Juliene Hermaine Celo, which allowed members of the media to clarify event details and identify news angles.

The upcoming celebration will gather business leaders, government partners, past presidents and chairpersons, award recipients, and members of the Chamber to mark more than a century of business advocacy in Western Visayas.

PCCI Iloilo expressed its appreciation to media organizations for supporting its initiatives, milestones, and efforts to bolster Iloilo’s economic progress.