(Photos of PCCI and Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo)
ILOILO CITY – Iloilo City and the province of Iloilo have been named among the finalists for the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2026 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Award.
Iloilo City is one of five finalists in the City Level 1B Category for highly urbanized cities outside Metro Manila, while the provincial government is among the five finalists in the provincial category.
During the final judging in Taguig City on Wednesday, the city government highlighted efforts to simplify business transactions, expand digital services, support micro, small and medium enterprises, and attract investments.
Among its initiatives are an expanded digital business permitting system, cashless payment options, automated queuing, document tracking, customer feedback mechanisms and management dashboards.
The city also runs capacity-building and financing support programs for entrepreneurs through the Negosyo Development Academy, formerly the Uswag Negosyo Academy.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the city aims to build a government that listens and works closely with entrepreneurs and investors.
Iloilo City is also pushing technology-based businesses and startups through its 2026 Technology-Based Startup Development and Incentives Ordinance, with plans to establish a Startup and Innovation Center.
As of July 31, 2026, the city recorded Php 213.76 billion in gross sales, Php 5.61 billion in investments from newly registered businesses and 19,488 registered businesses.
A victory would give Iloilo City its fourth Most Business-Friendly LGU award and qualify it for Hall of Fame recognition.
Meanwhile, the provincial government, led by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., presented good governance as the foundation of its business-friendly initiatives.
The province highlighted renewable energy use, digitalized MSME services, development of municipal growth centers and efforts to strengthen the value chain of its agri-tourism sector.
Iloilo province has been among the Top 5 finalists for four consecutive years since 2023 and placed second in the awards in 2024.
