• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City has secured a spot in the Top Five Most Business-Friendly Local Government Units (LGU) for 2025, according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
The city was named as a top 5 in the City Level 1B or the Provincial Highly Urbanized Cities category.
“We continue the best practices and it will be a big help in terms of investment here in Bacolod,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said.
Other cities on the elite list are the cities of Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo, while the finalists includes the cities of Davao, General Santos, Lapu Lapu, Olongapo, and Zamboanga.
Also included in the finalist for City Level 3 category were Talisay City, Negros Occidental, and Bais City, Negros Oriental.
The PCCI recognized the outstanding cities for “exemplary leadership in advancing local economic development, promoting competitiveness, and creating a business-friendly environment that uplifts communities and enterprises alike.”
The award was based on an evaluation conducted last October 2024, during the time of Former Mayor Alfredo Benitez, and continued until July 2025, which is under Gasataya’s term.
The winners will be awarded during the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo on October 20 and 21 at SMX Convention Manila.*
