By admin 
Iloilo City is emerging as a focal point for investments in the Western Visayas region, driven by strategic infrastructure developments, robust economic sectors and a business-friendly environment.
Local government leaders are gearing up to position the city as a competitive investment destination, underscored by a comprehensive urban development plan that creates a framework for long-term growth.
Strategically located in the heart of Panay Island, Iloilo City serves as an essential gateway to Western Visayas. The city is well connected, with the Iloilo International Airport and seaport infrastructure providing access to major domestic and international markets.
Iloilo City has gained recognition as a technology hub and has been awarded the “Next Wave City” designation by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for its growing business processing outsourcing (BPO) sector.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said this connectivity is critical to improving the movement of goods and services in and out of the region.
“Iloilo City is more than ready for future growth, and we want to make our city a place where investors, businesses and communities can thrive together,” Treñas said, highlighting the city’s readiness for expansion. “Our strategic location and modern infrastructure give us a competitive advantage, and we are committed to maximizing these strengths.”
The development of road networks across the city, in addition to its digital infrastructure – supported by service providers such as PLDT, Smart and Converge – has further strengthened its appeal to investors.
“We are ensuring that Iloilo City is not only physically connected but also digitally equipped to support the needs of modern businesses,” Treñas added.
Expansion of economic sectors
Iloilo City’s economic engine is diverse and continues to expand. Key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, logistics and the booming IT-BPO industry are attracting both local and international companies.
The city’s growing business district, anchored by developments like the Iloilo Business Park, has seen investments from major developers including Megaworld, Ayala and SM.
“Our business district will become a hub for commercial activities in the region,” Treñas said. “The influx of investments is a clear indication that Iloilo City is a dynamic player in the national economy, with tremendous growth potential.”
Tourism is also an important driver of the economy. Iloilo is quickly becoming a hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), with the Iloilo Convention Center hosting several high-profile international events, including 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, the recent ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information and Culture Subcommittee Meeting in September 2024, and the upcoming CityNet Executive Meeting in November 2024.
“We are positioning Iloilo City as a top destination for green MICE, with our new campaign ‘Green Meets Great’ to signal a livable, sustainable and highly urbanized Iloilo City that offers a wide range of green MICE options. The positive feedback from major events is proof that we are on the right track,” said the mayor.
Business-friendly environment
In recent years, the Iloilo City government has implemented a series of reforms aimed at making it easier to do business. The Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS), an initiative that streamlines the business registration process, is seen as an important step towards better access for new businesses. In addition, remote payment centers have been established in commercial areas to simplify government transactions.
“The reforms we have implemented have significantly reduced the time it takes to start a business in Iloilo City,” said Mayor Treñas. “We want businesses to know that Iloilo is open for business, and we are here to support their growth.”
The city also offers investment incentives, including tax breaks and exemptions, especially in priority sectors such as IT-BPO, tourism, healthcare and agro-fisheries.
The Comprehensive Development Plan 2023 – 2028
Central to the city’s growth strategy is the Iloilo City Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for 2023-2028, which serves as a blueprint for future urban development.
The plan outlines the city’s ambitions to become a model ‘liveable, resilient and sustainable’ city by 2029, with a focus on disaster resilience, environmental sustainability and promoting a business environment.
“We have a clear vision for Iloilo, and it is rooted in sustainable and inclusive growth,” Treñas said. “The Iloilo City CDP is a guide to where we want to go and how we are going to get there. It is also an invitation to investors to be part of this journey.”
The CDP, combined with the Iloilo City Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and the Iloilo Innovation Roadmap 2030, highlights specific areas where investors can participate.
These include real estate, healthcare, tourism and education. The government is keen to work with the private sector to promote projects that align with the city’s growth vision.
“Iloilo City is at a point where all the critical elements for investment success – strategic location, skilled workforce and supportive local government – are in place,” said Mayor Treñas.