The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the biggest business organization in the country, conferred the 2023 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Award to seven local government units (LGUs) that have been successful in restoring and increasing the business operations in their area through significant and sustained innovative actions.
Leading this year’s awardees is Tagbilaran City led by Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap having won the most coveted Hall of Fame Award for being consistently adjudged as PCCI’s Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit under City Level 3 category for the years 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Also awarded as the most business-friendly local government units for 2023 are the following: Bataan led by Governor Jose Enrique S. Garcia III (provincial level), Quezon City led by Mayor Maria Josefina G. Belmonte (city level 1A), Iloilo City led by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas (city level 1B), Antipolo City led by Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares III (city level 2), Tagbilaran City led by Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap (city level 3), Tanay, Rizal led by Mayor Rafael A. Tanjuatco (municipality level 1) and Pakil, Laguna led by Mayor Vincent L. Soriano (municipality level 2).
The winners were judged based on the following criteria: fast-tracking local sustainable economic development; ease of doing business initiatives; investment promotion initiatives; and enhancing sectoral competitiveness initiatives.
Special citation was also given to other LGUs who were able to showcase their excellence in other specific criterion in terms of developing business namely Bulacan, Cavite and Tarlac for the provincial level; Muntinlupa City for city level 1A; Baguio City and Mandaue City for city level 1B; General Trias City and Santa Rosa City for city level 2; San Fernando City (La Union) for city level 3; Kawit, Cavite for municipality level 1; and Concepcion, Iloilo and Magallanes, Cavite for municipality level 1.
The award was presented by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, PCCI President George T. Barcelon, PCCI Chairman Dr. William S. Co and PCCI Chairman of the Council of Business Leaders Jose T. Pardo.
The recently held 49th Philippine Business Conference Chairman Felino A. Palafox, Jr., PCCI past president Alberto P. Fenix Jr., PCCI Honorary Chair and Treasurer Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., and LGU Awards Chair Atty. Anthony D. Bengzon were also at hand during the concluding ceremonies of the PBC held at the Grand Ballroom, Manila Hotel last month.