ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI Iloilo) successfully held the 120 Years Celebration of the Iloilo Chamber Movement on December 8, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center, gathering business leaders, government officials, NGOs, and key stakeholders to honor the Chamber’s long-standing role in driving Iloilo’s economic growth.
With the theme “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future,” the event highlighted the Chamber’s rich history—tracing its roots to the early 1900s—and celebrated the milestones that have strengthened Iloilo’s business ecosystem across generations.
Messages of Support and Recognition
The program opened with a welcome message from PCCI Iloilo Chairman Felicito “Felix” H. Tiu, followed by messages from government partners:
- Mayor Hon. Raisa S. Treñas, represented by Councilor Allan Zaldivar
- Governor Hon. Arthur R. Defensor Jr., represented by Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias
PCCI Visayas Area Vice President Melanie Ng commended the Chamber for its consistent and proactive performance, noting PCCI Iloilo’s exceptional achievement as Hall of Famer for the Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
President Engr. Fulbert C. Woo delivered the President’s Message, emphasizing the Chamber’s four pillars—Innovation, Inclusivity, Inspiration, and Impact. He highlighted the significant growth in membership under the current board and the establishment of 15 flagship programs that have strengthened the Chamber’s regional influence.
Honoring Partners and Leaders
PCCI Iloilo presented recognition to its Board of Directors, Program Chairpersons, and government and developmental partners, and awarded Plaques of Recognition to institutional partners: the Iloilo City Government, Iloilo Provincial Government, DOST Region VI, DTI Region VI, and ISAT University for their consistent support and collaboration.
Honoring the Chamber’s Past Leaders
As part of the celebration, PCCI Iloilo paid tribute to the leaders who have shaped the Chamber’s legacy over the decades. The organization honored its past Chairperson Dr. Sandra S. Gomez and former Presidents Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, Mr. Angel De Leon, Jr., and Mr. Joe Marie C. Agriam for their years of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and invaluable contributions to strengthening the Chamber’s foundation.
2025 Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards
The Chamber also announced the winners of the Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards (IEA) after presenting the screening committee and recognizing Reyes Tacandong & Co. as the official tabulator. The iconic Tariktik Trophy was bestowed to the following Ilonggo Entrepreneur Award 2025 winners:
- Aspiring Entrepreneur Award: Ms. Amy Diopita – Draft Master Innovation
- Young Ilonggo Entrepreneur Award: Mr. Jan Vincent Sollesta – GalenX
- Ilonggo Entrepreneur of the Year 2025: Mr. Johnny Que – Orchard Valley, Waffle Time, Coffeebreak
2025 Captains of the Industry Awardees
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Captain of the Industry Awards, created in line with the 120th Year Celebration of the Iloilo Chamber Movement. This prestigious recognition honors 12 distinguished business leaders from various sectors for their profound and lasting impact on Iloilo’s economic growth.
- Agriculture: Mr. Emil Anthony L. Po
- Education: Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo
- Food Services: Mr. Raymundo E. Robles
- Hardware: Mr. Tomas G. Tan
- Healthcare: Dr. Vicente E. Villareal
- Hospitality: Mr. Romeo S. Go
- Manufacturing: Mr. Alfonso A. Uy
- Media: Dr. Rogelio M. Florete
- Posthumous – Wholesale: Mr. Rodolfo C. Tiu
- Posthumous – General Merchandise: Mr. Que Hua Pho
- Real Estate: Ms. Bernadette C. Tiu
- Transportation: Mr. Jan Andrew T. Po
A Grateful Closing
The celebration concluded with closing remarks from the Vice President for External Affairs, who extended gratitude to the awardees, partners, members, suppliers and all who contributed to the successful 120-year journey of PCCI Iloilo.
As PCCI Iloilo looks forward to its next chapter, the Chamber reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation, advancing business-led development, and shaping a future built on the foundation of the past 120 years.
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