By Ken Lerona
Iloilo stands at the cusp of an economic transformation. With the opening of more international flights and the continued expansion of our port to accommodate global shipments, our city is rapidly integrating with the rest of the world—not through the traditional gateways of Manila or Cebu, but on its own terms. The question is no longer about whether Iloilo is ready for global engagement. The challenge now is ensuring that more Ilonggos actively participate in and benefit from this progress.
For too long, our economic growth has been driven primarily by labor exports—by Ilonggos leaving home to work in bigger cities or abroad. While this has undeniably uplifted many families, it has also left our local economy dependent on external forces. If we truly want a sustainable and inclusive future, we must transition from being mere consumers and employees to becoming producers, traders, and entrepreneurs. We must pedestrianize progress—make it accessible, participatory, and deeply rooted in the local community.
The Power of Local Entrepreneurship
The importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit cannot be overstated. A city with a strong base of local businesses does not just create jobs; it builds resilience. It ensures that wealth circulates within the community, strengthening both the economy and the social fabric. Iloilo’s history is rich with stories of enterprising individuals who built industries from scratch—be it in sugar, textiles, or food. We need to rekindle that pioneering spirit, and this is where both the local government and our educational institutions must step in.
The Role of the Local Government
Local government units (LGUs) must create an environment where entrepreneurship is not just encouraged but actively supported. This means simplifying business registration processes, providing access to low-interest financing, and ensuring that budding entrepreneurs receive guidance on navigating regulatory requirements. While our LGU and many other national government agencies already run successful efforts on these, we need to enjoin more citizens by pushing more activities at the barangay, association, and school levels. Beyond infrastructure and logistics, our leaders must foster a culture where risk-taking is not feared but embraced as a pathway to progress. LGUs can also spearhead widely community-participated local trade fairs, incubation programs, and networking platforms that connect small businesses with larger markets, ensuring that homegrown brands can scale up. Maybe we can find ways to make entrepreneurship sexier and more attractive than it is today.
Schools as Incubators of Future Entrepreneurs
Educational institutions, on the other hand, play a fundamental role in shaping the mindset of our youth. If we continue to raise generations trained primarily to seek employment rather than create opportunities, we will always be playing catch-up. Schools and universities must integrate entrepreneurship into their curricula—not as an elective but as a core component of education. Business incubation programs, mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, and hands-on experience in running small ventures should be part of a student’s journey, from primary school to university.
The goal is not just to produce a handful of standout entrepreneurs but to instill an entrepreneurial mindset across an entire generation. It is about teaching young Ilonggos that they do not have to leave home to build a successful career. It is about empowering them to see problems as opportunities, to innovate, and to create industries that cater to both local and global markets.
Building a Strong Local Trade Backbone
While we welcome investments from national and international players, we must not allow our local economy to be merely a market for outside interests. We need to build a robust local trade backbone, one that allows small businesses to thrive alongside industry giants. This is not about resisting progress but about shaping it in a way that benefits the many, not just the few.
Imagine an Iloilo where progress is truly pedestrianized—where opportunities are not concentrated in the hands of a select group but are accessible to any Ilonggo willing to take the leap into entrepreneurship. This is the kind of future we should be striving for. It is not enough that Iloilo grows; we must ensure that Ilonggos grow with it.
Ken Lerona is a marketing and branding leader with over 20 years of experience. He conducts talks and workshops for private and government organizations and consults on innovation and reputational risk management. Connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenlerona.
