PCCI Iloilo’s Francis Gerona Receives Rainmaker Award
PCCI Iloilo proudly celebrates Corporate Secretary and Head of the Business Innovation & Startups Sector Francis Gerona for receiving the Rainmaker Award at the Western Visayas Startup Awards 2025, held on September 20, 2025, at Festive Walk Mall, Iloilo City. The Rainmaker Award honors individuals who have significantly shaped the startup ecosystem through mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Long before joining PCCI Iloilo, Francis was already championing startups as a member of the Global Shapers Community in 2015. Today, through initiatives like the chamber’s INSYNC Program, he continues to drive collaboration and growth in Western Visayas’ startup landscape.
PCCI Iloilo Clinches Back-to-Back Startup Champion Award
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI Iloilo) has achieved a remarkable back-to-back win as Startup Champion (Private Sector) at the Western Visayas Startup Awards, receiving the honor in both 2024 and 2025. The award was presented to PCCI Iloilo President Engr. Fulbert C. Woo during the Innovation Awards Ceremony on September 20, 2025, at Festive Walk Mall, Iloilo City. This recognition celebrates the chamber’s pivotal role in strengthening the region’s startup ecosystem through its INSYNC Program and other initiatives that foster mentorship, collaboration, and innovation across government, industry, and academe.
Iloilo City Joins Global Startup Rankings, Debuts as Innovation Hub in the Philippines
Iloilo City breaks into the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, ranking Top 5 in the Philippines and #744 globally, signaling its emergence as a promising innovation hub. This global recognition reflects years of collaborative efforts led by DOST Region VI, the UMWAD Western Visayas consortium, Technology Business Incubators, and the growing startup community. PCCI Iloilo, through its INSYNC program, continues to empower startups by connecting them with mentors, markets, and investors. This milestone is not just a ranking—it’s a bold statement: Iloilo is ready to lead in innovation, inclusion, and impact.
Innovators Gain Key Insights on Pitching at ISAT U Mentorship Series
As part of ISAT U’s 10th Charter Anniversary celebration, the university held the InnoScale: Technology Commercialization and Promotion Mentorship Series on May 5–6, 2025. On the second day, Engr. Francis Gerona, Corporate Secretary of the Iloilo Chamber, served as a Resource Speaker, delivering a session on “How to Create a Pitch Deck, How to Pitch, and the Creation of Promotional Materials.” His talk provided practical guidance on presenting innovations to investors and stakeholders. With his strong background in business development and communication, Engr. Gerona helped faculty researchers and innovators better articulate the value of their technologies for commercialization.