By Ken Lerona
The Iloilo City and Province have long been renowned as more than just a pretty tourist destination in the heart of the Philippines. Beyond its scenic charm lies a region brimming with opportunity, shaped by its rich history, strategic location, and people driven by resilience and ingenuity. Today, Iloilo stands ready to welcome visionary investors seeking a destination with a proven track record of fostering innovation and growth.
A History of Global Trade and Enterprise
Iloilo’s place in global commerce dates back centuries, rooted in its strategic position and enterprising spirit. Archaeological findings reveal that as early as the 10th century, Chinese merchants engaged in vibrant trade with Panay Island’s indigenous communities, exchanging silk, porcelain, and ironware for raw cotton, abaca, hardwoods, and beeswax. By the 12th century, some Chinese traders had established settlements in Iloilo, creating a multicultural trading environment that set the stage for its future economic vibrancy.
With the advent of Spanish colonization in the 16th century, Iloilo’s role in international trade expanded. The Spanish recognized its strategic potential, and by 1855, the Port of Iloilo was officially opened to global markets. This development spurred an economic boom, particularly through the sugar industry, as Iloilo became a key exporter to Europe and the Americas. The bustling port attracted foreign merchants and solidified Iloilo’s standing as a vital player in the global economy—a legacy that endures to this day.
A Strategic Location with World-Class Infrastructure
Geography has always been one of Iloilo’s greatest assets. Positioned in the heart of the Visayas, it serves as a gateway connecting Luzon, Mindanao, and international markets like Hong Kong and Singapore (and soon, Vienna, Austria in Europe). This central location is enhanced by world-class infrastructure, including the Iloilo International Airport and the modernized Visayas Container Terminal (VCT).
The VCT, under the stewardship of Enrique Razon Jr.’s International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has recently undergone a P2.35-billion upgrade. These improvements include advanced cargo handling systems, mobile harbor cranes, and cutting-edge IT infrastructure, making Iloilo a regional logistics hub capable of handling growing trade volumes. Such investments significantly reduce supply chain costs and bolster Iloilo’s capacity to serve as a springboard for agro-industrial and manufacturing enterprises.
The Ilonggo Advantage: Values and Talent
Ilonggos are truly admired for their steadfast dedication to excellence, a wonderful trait that flows from the rich culture and history of the region. With a spirit of “hustle with a heart,” Ilonggos truly embody the values of hard work, integrity, and a strong sense of community. These remarkable qualities make them fantastic partners for businesses looking to set up operations in Iloilo.
Adding to this is Iloilo’s wealth of human capital. The province is home to esteemed academic institutions such as the University of the Philippines Visayas, West Visayas State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, the University of San Agustin, and the Central Philippine University, producing a steady pipeline of skilled graduates in fields like agriculture, engineering, healthcare, and business. This educated and adaptable workforce provides a significant advantage for investors looking to tap into a talent pool that can drive innovation and operational excellence.
Synergy of Public and Private Partnerships
One of Iloilo’s most compelling strengths is its well-coordinated public-private partnerships (PPPs). Local government units, through entities like the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) office, work hand-in-hand with private sector leaders to create an environment conducive to business growth.
Moreover, Iloilo Province has enacted progressive local investment programs, including the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Ordinance and the Startup Ordinance. These initiatives foster entrepreneurial innovation, offer fiscal incentives, and provide technical assistance to budding enterprises. By nurturing startups and supporting MSMEs, Iloilo creates a fertile ground for scalable business growth while ensuring the community reaps the benefits of economic development.
A Call to Visionary Investors
For centuries, Iloilo has been at the crossroads of commerce, a place where local ingenuity meets global opportunity. Today, that legacy continues. With its rich history of international trade, strategic location, world-class infrastructure, skilled workforce, and a culture of collaboration, Iloilo is poised to become a beacon of sustainable and inclusive growth in the Philippines.
For investors, Iloilo offers more than just a chance to grow profits. It offers the opportunity to be part of a community that values progress, innovation, and shared prosperity. By choosing Iloilo, you’re not just investing in a location—you’re investing in a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire and deliver.
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Ken Lerona is a marketing and branding leader with over 20 years of experience across the consumer, telecommunication, real estate, logistics technology, and consumer finance technology. He gives talks and workshops for private and government organizations. He is also a consultant of reputational risk management. Find him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenlerona.
