The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) named Bacolod City a finalist in their annual search for the “Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unity (LGU).”

“Being a PCCI finalist is a feat in itself,” said Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia. “Regardless of the outcome, we are already a winner.”
The city previously won the award in 2007.
As part of the selection process, Leonardia visited PCCI headquarters yesterday and was subject to a question and answer panel, where he addressed the five criteria for the award, including trade investment and tourism promotion; public private partnerships (PPP); micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development; quality management system, innovation, and human resources management development; and quality customer service.
Earlier this month, Iloilo City announced they were also in consideration for the award.
“We will try our best to prepare for the next stage of the competition,” said Iloilo City Acting Mayor Jose Espinosa III. “We will comply [with] all requirements in order for us to win.”/WDJ