The 2nd Iloilo Business Week hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI-Iloilo) was dubbed a success.
It was held October 14–20, 2023, with a series of events and activities that showcased the flourishing economy and economic opportunities of Iloilo.
The Iloilo Business Week was intended to showcase Iloilo as an investment destination by exhibiting its dynamic economic activities and sharing the inspiring stories and best practices of its entrepreneurs.
PCCI-Iloilo aspired to have Iloilo promoted as an investment capital for Western Visayas, and the event offers an opportunity to inspire fellow Ilonggos to become more innovative and inclusive when it comes to their businesses, said Prince Juliene Hermaine Celo, board of director for marketing and health of PCCI-Iloilo and event co-chairman.
The Iloilo Business Week kicked off with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Artesanias de Iloilo at SM City Iloilo from October 14–15. The trade fair featured local crafts and flavors by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
PCCI-Iloilo also launched the Businesserye and Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards 2023. Businesserye is an online series that features the inspiring success stories of Ilonggo MSMEs. Meanwhile, the Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards were intended to honor outstanding Ilonggo entrepreneurs.
As part of its advocacy in teaching aspiring entrepreneurs skills that they can use in starting up their own business, PCCI-Iloilo organized Hope in a Cup: Coffee Latte Art Training for the Out-of-School Youth on October 17.
In addition, a virtual business-to-business session was also organized to link business owners with collaborations, which is a flagship program called PCCI-Iloilo Connect.
It also partnered with One Iloilo, Inc. for the Iloilo Festival Fair 2023, a trade fair that showcased the best of products and commodities from various municipalities at the Festive Walk Iloilo.
Iloilo Business Week 2023 was highlighted by What’s Up Western Visayas, a business conference that brought in a powerhouse of speakers who discussed emerging business trends, useful business strategies, and economic opportunities held at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.
Simultaneous business trainings and workshops were also conducted by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Centers of the Province and City of Iloilo.
The event was capped by the Grand General Membership Meeting of PCCI-Iloilo.
Taking off from the success of the first Iloilo Business Week, this year’s celebration was made grander, and we believe that it was more meaningful with the combined learning session and product showcase of our local entrepreneurs,” said PCCI-Iloilo President Fulbert Woo.