ILOILO – This province has been selected as one of the top five finalists for the 2024 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Award, an honor bestowed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is scheduled to present the province’s initiatives and best practices that promote a business-friendly environment at the PCCI Office in Taguig City on September 23. These efforts are part of the province’s bid to showcase how the local government facilitates economic growth and supports the business sector.
During his presentation, Governor Defensor will utilize a five-minute audiovisual presentation to highlight Iloilo’s achievements based on key performance indicators and award criteria set by the PCCI.
The award criteria focus on significant local government efforts in four main areas: fast-tracking sustainable local economic development, ease of doing business, investment promotion, and enhancing sectoral competitiveness.
For instance, efforts under sustainable economic development may involve collaborative strategies with businesses and civil society to improve economic conditions, raise incomes, and enhance environmental sustainability.
The ease of doing business category includes initiatives that streamline administrative processes for securing permits and licenses, implement technological innovations, and enforce zero-contact policies to minimize corruption risks.
For investment promotion, the criteria look at how local policies, trade programs, and infrastructural upgrades contribute to attracting investments and maintaining peace and order.
Enhancing sectoral competitiveness involves supporting specific industries through development roadmaps, value chain enhancement, market assistance, and technology promotion.
This recognition is part of PCCI’s ongoing efforts to highlight LGUs that excel in governance reforms, which foster trade and investment, transparency, accountability, and efficient business services. These efforts contribute to inclusive, sustainable growth and expedite local economic development.
The winner will be announced during the award ceremony at the 50th Philippine Business Conference on October 23, 2024, under this year’s theme, “Embracing Innovation. Empowering Business. Enriching Lives.”
The campaign underscores the importance of innovation and public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable business practices and competitiveness./PN
