Iloilo city: Iloilo City and the province of Iloilo are competing for the 2025 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards in various categories from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Iloilo City aims for the award in the City Level B Category (Provincial Highly Urbanized Cities), having reached the top five contenders alongside Bacolod, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, and Butuan.
According to Philippines News Agency, the province of Iloilo will challenge Bataan, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, and Cavite for the Most Business-Friendly Province accolade. Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as expressed that reaching the top five is both an honor and a challenge for the local government to consistently take action.
"This year's recognition is a strong testament that we are on the right track toward our vision, that by 2029, Iloilo City shall be a model of a livable, sustainable, and resilient city of well-governed and empowered Ilonggos who safeguard the environment, preserve culture, and sustain a robust, inclusive and innovative economy," she stated.
Tre±as emphasized that this achievement affirms the city government's commitment with the business community to encourage innovation, inclusivity, and growth. She added that this milestone reflects the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in building a resilient and progressive metropolis.
Previously, the city was among the five finalists for the same award in 2024, following its recognition as the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit in 2023. Meanwhile, the provincial government released a statement highlighting that the acknowledgment underscores its commitment to enhancing the business climate and fostering economic growth under the MoRProGRes Iloilo development mantra of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
MoRProGRes Iloilo, which stands for Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo, is a campaign to realize the social justice agenda of Defensor's administration. Furthermore, the towns of Guimbal, Mina, and New Lucena will compete for the Most Business-Friendly Municipalities Level 2 Category for third to sixth class municipalities, while Oton and Tigbauan are finalists for the Level 1 Category for first to second class municipalities.
