Iloilo: Key stakeholders from the public and private sectors are expected to unveil initiatives that drive inclusive growth and innovation in Western Visayas during the series of events lined up for the Iloilo Business Month 2025. The events running from July until August anchors on the theme 'Empowering Possibilities, Elevating Progress' that seeks to position Iloilo as a rising hub for business leadership and transformation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo chapter president engineer Fulbert Woo emphasized that the business month touches all sectors that evolve in the business ecosystem. Woo expressed hope that the initiatives and programs would attract attention from local government units and national government agencies, highlighting the private sector's potential as a partner in the development of the city and province. He stressed the importance of not only focusing on business but also on human resources.
Among the events are the 'Iloilo Businessserye,' a series of videos about the journeys of successful entrepreneurs with impacts on their communities, which will be available through the PCCI social media platform starting July 16. Additionally, the Innovators Summit is planned to support the startup program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from July 31 to Aug. 2. Woo noted that the Innovators Summit aims to combine startups and businesses, with the vision of establishing an Angel Funder in Iloilo to support potential startups or innovation businesses.
The lineup also includes a 'What's Up Western Visayas' event on July 18, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers to explore innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. A Coffee Festival will take place from July 17-20, alongside other events such as an empowerment seminar, an Artificial Intelligence Festival, industry business matching, Agrinnovate 2.0 focusing on coconut, and a Tax Congress.
On Tuesday, PCCI co-presented the Western Visayas Business Conference and Expo 2025, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas, in partnership with the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council. Woo highlighted the significance of the expo, which marked the soft start of their series of events for the Iloilo Business Month 2025. The expo convened key players from government, industry, and the business sector for strategic discussions, capacity-building sessions, and networking, coinciding with the observance of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Week.
