Iloilo City vies for Most Business-Friendly LGU award anew

Iloilo City is again vying for 2023 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

This after it has been assessed as one of Highly-Urbanized Cities (HUCs) to advance to the final judging, with the announcement and awarding during the 49th Philippine Business Conference on October 26.

Iloilo City won the Most Business-Friendly LGU in 2019, Special Citation Awardee in 2020 and 2022, and recognized as national finalist in 2021.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas stressed that being cited for the award affirmed investors’ confidence and a testament of levelled-up governance and strong Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the city.

He initiated several innovative programs to promote the city as business and investment hub.

These innovations include the establishment of off-site payment/business centers in four malls in the bid to bring the services closer to the public and for easy, fast and convenient application, renewal and payment of business permits and other payment-related transactions.

The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office has introduced the Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA) which boosts the promotion of micro and small enterprise development, incentives for investments, no increase in real property tax, business-friendly consultations, Innovate Iloilo Project, and Iloilo City Business Coordination Council.

“This indicates the relentless effort of Iloilo City Government in improving the ease of doing business. We continue to strive in making the city’s business environment conducive for investments. With or without awards, this is our commitment,” said LEDIP Office Head Velma Jane C. Lao.

PCCI annually recognizes LGUs that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in instituting good governance reforms to promote trade and investments, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivering business services to generate inclusive and sustainable growth and fast-track local economic development in their localities.

This year’s theme “Vision 2050: The Philippines – A First-World Economy,” aims to highlight LGU innovations, success stories and best practices that enable businesses to thrive and become sustainable and competitive in partnership with the private sector. (Iloilo City PIO)