In the province of Iloilo, good governance is the standard in doing business.
This was the core message of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. as he highlighted the province’s competitive edge during the Final Judging for the 2026 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards – Provincial Level organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCI).
The final judging was held today, September 23, 2026, at the PCCI Office, Commerce and Industry Plaza, McKinley, Taguig City.
Out of the 82 provinces, Iloilo made it among the Top 5 Finalists.
Iloilo is then competing for the first place against the provinces of Camarines Sur, Cavite, Davao del Norte, and Tarlac.
During the final presentation, Governor Defensor emphasized that in the province of Iloilo, good governance is the benchmark in doing business.
“Good governance is our platform. Good governance is business-friendly,” Defensor said.
The governor highlighted the province’s growth drivers such as its push for renewable energy in government facilities and the private sector; digitalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through a partnership with the PCCI and the Department of Trade and Industry; and developing growth centers in municipalities.
As an agricultural province, the provincial government is also building a stronger value chain for its agri-tourism industry, thereby driving growth for the manufacturing sector.
Ma. Pamela Quizon, Chancellor of the Philippine Tax Academy - Local Government Finance Institute (LGFI) and one of the panelists, commended Iloilo’s best practices in fiscal health “which serve as the framework for other LGUs to replicate.”
The finalists were evaluated within four competitiveness pillars such as innovation and digital transformation; ease of doing business initiatives; sustainable local economic development and Sustainable Development Goals integration; and investment promotion and competitiveness enhancement.
Governor Defensor was accompanied during the final judging by PCCI Iloilo President Jerduen Dongor, Provincial LEDIP Center Chief Aulynn Yue Sin, Provincial Assessor Rema Calderon, Provincial Treasurer Jean Maire Umadhay, Provincial Population Officer Atty. Ruel Von Superio, and Provincial Community Defense Action Center Chief Carr Brian Griño.
Moreover, Iloilo received a Special Citation for making it to the Top 5. The province has been part of the Top 5 finalists for four consecutive years since 2023.
It ranked second place as Most Business-Friendly Province in 2024.
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