Western Visayas’ Triumph, Iloilo City’s Challenge

The 50th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) proved to be a moment of triumph for Western Visayas as PCCI-Iloilo, Bacolod City, and Iloilo Province clinched prestigious awards on Oct. 23, 2024, in Pasay City. Their achievements are a testament to the region’s growing reputation as a prime business and investment destination.

PCCI-Iloilo once again dominated the stage, taking home the Most Outstanding Chamber Award in the Visayas and the Philippines (Province Category) for the second consecutive year. This victory, spearheaded by PCCI-Iloilo President Engr. Fulbert Woo, is a testament to the chamber’s continued leadership in promoting business growth and development in the region. Additionally, PCCI-Iloilo secured the inaugural LCCI Tourism Advocacy Award for its pivotal role in the Paraw Regatta Festival, a crucial event for local tourism and MSME support.

Iloilo Province, under the leadership of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., also earned recognition as the second Most Business-Friendly Province in the country, primarily due to its robust infrastructure initiatives and successful public-private partnerships. These programs are transforming the province’s agriculture sector into a thriving business engine.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City emerged as the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) for Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs), a significant achievement that strengthens its position as a rising business hub. Mayor Alfredo Benitez’s commitment to transparency and business-friendly policies has clearly resonated with stakeholders.

However, conspicuously absent from this list of winners was Iloilo City. Despite being a finalist for the Most Business-Friendly LGU award, the city failed to secure the top spot, which went to Bacolod. This came as a surprise to many, particularly given Iloilo City’s performance in the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI). The city ranked as the leading HUC outside the National Capital Region (NCR), placing fifth overall nationwide.

Iloilo City’s competitive standing is commendable, but there are signs that the city’s momentum is faltering. It slipped from fourth to fifth place in the CMCI, overtaken by Muntinlupa City. Additionally, in 2023, the city failed to earn the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, a trend that might continue this year due to concerns over financial management, including issues surrounding budget efficiency and the sharp 300 percent increase in real property taxes.

It’s time for Iloilo City to recalibrate its approach, focusing not just on being competitive, but on addressing the deeper issues that hinder its progress. The city has the potential to lead the region, but only if it prioritizes inclusive development over short-term gains.

Iloilo City’s leadership must address these issues not merely for recognition but for the broader goal of inclusive and sustainable development. Efforts to improve economic dynamism, bolster innovation, and ensure efficient financial management will be key in reclaiming its place as a top contender for national awards.

As Western Visayas celebrates these victories, Iloilo City’s challenge is to learn, and reclaim its standing—not just for bragging rights, but for the prosperity of its people.