PCCI-Iloilo Launches 2-Month Business Event to Boost Growth

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A two-month business event in Iloilo aims to foster cross-sector collaboration and strengthen the local business landscape to drive economic growth in the city and province.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo Chapter Inc. officially launched the Iloilo Business Month on Wednesday, June 18.

The event will run from July to August 2025.

Formerly a weeklong business development event, this year’s celebration expands into a two-month showcase of entrepreneurship, innovation and intersectoral partnerships.

With the theme “Empowering Possibilities, Elevating Progress,” the event brings together key public and private stakeholders for a series of programs aimed at accelerating Western Visayas’ economic momentum.

Engr. Fulbert C. Woo, president of PCCI Iloilo, said the event positions Iloilo as a rising hub for business leadership and transformation.

“We’re trying to connect Ilonggos to the whole region, especially now that Iloilo is separated from Negros,” Woo said.

“One of the concerns in the new Western Visayas is the need for more business activations.”

“Iloilo is the center of business growth in the region, and we want both the city and province to play a bigger role in that,” he added.

Woo said expanding the event from a week to two months allows broader support and opportunities for the business community.

“It’s about our thirst to give more deliverables to our business community,” he said.

“That’s why we created and partnered with more programs, especially new ones to answer the call of startups and innovations.”

PCCI Iloilo will organize eight key programs for Iloilo Business Month.

The Department of Trade and Industry will lead the Western Visayas Business Conference and Expo on July 1 and 2.

This gathering of more than 300 stakeholders aims to accelerate the region’s economic development agenda in celebration of MSME Month.

A leadership workshop for frontliners and mid-level managers is scheduled for July 4.

The three-hour session aims to develop proactive leadership in fast-paced workplaces.

On July 18, “What’s Up Western Visayas” will feature regional dialogue to foster synergy and inclusive growth through multi-sector discussions.

An Innovators Summit from July 31 to August 2 will focus on startup acceleration, investor networking and showcasing breakthrough innovations.

The “Businesserye” on July 16 will launch a video storytelling series featuring inspiring Ilonggo entrepreneurs whose businesses create community impact.

“Coffee Moments: Industry Business Matching” on August 9, co-presented by Sun Life, will combine interactive business games with structured networking.

The Department of Science and Technology 6 will spearhead AI Fest 2025 from August 11 to 13.

The festival will include a hackathon, tech conference, exhibits and the Philippines’ first AI Film Festival.

Agrinnovate 2.0, scheduled for August 25 to 29, is a coconut-centered summit featuring forums, a weeklong exhibit and a Farmers’ Day focused on innovation, mechanization and cooperative support.

Prince Juliene Hermaine Celo, chair of PCCI Iloilo’s Businesserye, said the expanded event lineup reflects the chamber’s recognition of Iloilo’s untapped business potential.

“Seeing these possibilities, we acknowledge they can help and improve our local businesses,” he said.

“That’s why we’re focused on nurturing and maximizing these opportunities.”