Just recently, Iloilo City won the Philippines' most business friendly highly urbanized city outside the National Capital Region (City Level 1B) for the third time, and in effect, got the hall of fame award in this category. The title may sound like a huge recognition to the city, most importantly to its local government unit. But what strikes the most was it won because their policies and programs put utmost priority not to big businesses but its small entrepreneurs.
For Mayor Raisa TreƱas, the economic rise of Iloilo City lies in whether the smallest entrepreneurs ā the sari-sari store owner, the carinderia operator, the sidewalk food vendor, and the struggling family business ā are also moving forward. While best cities continue offering their spaces to companies outside their region, it seems that Iloilo City is humble enough to place itself as just a "better city" BUT giving the best platforms and best opportunities for its micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs.
The recognition is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement. But it would mean little to ordinary Ilonggos if economic prosperity remains concentrated in the hands of those who already possess capital, connections, and opportunities.
As an entrepreneur before entering the government service, Mayor Raisa knows exactly the struggles of small businesses. So when the moment came, as the city's leader, she makes sure that the local government shall support them. After all, these homegrown startups would carry the brand of the city to the national or even international market when it succeeds.
That is what becoming a "business friendly city" looks like: a better city for the most promising Ilonggo business leaders in the Philippines.