As part of Iloilo Business Month 2025, the Western Visayas Business Conference and Expo (WV-BIZCONEX) was held on July 1–2, 2025 at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City, bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors, development institutions, business chambers, startups, and grassroots organizations. The two-day conference served as a powerful platform for aligning regional priorities with innovation, inclusive development, and public-private collaboration.
Spearheaded by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region VI, DTI Region VI, and PCCI Region VI, this year’s WV-BIZCONEX highlighted convergence as a key tool for building a more competitive and resilient Western Visayas. With the theme of “Empowering Possibilities, Elevating Progress”, the event tackled innovation as both a mindset and a cross-sector strategy.
PCCI Iloilo: Partnering for Impact
As a strong event partner, PCCI Iloilo played a vital role in making WV-BIZCONEX a success. The chamber sponsored the booth system of the expo, allowing organizations and innovators to showcase their products and services while exploring partnerships and market opportunities. This support reflects PCCI Iloilo’s mission of strengthening business ecosystems and creating inclusive access to growth.
PCCI Region VI Regional Governor Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida, who also serves as Co-Chair of the RDC, co-led the event alongside DTI Region VI Regional Director Rachel Nufable and other key officials. Engr. Fulbert C. Woo, President of PCCI Iloilo and Co-Chair of the RDC–Development Administration Committee (DAC), also provided leadership and presence on behalf of the local chamber and the wider business community.
Thought Leadership and Fireside Conversations
Day 1 featured panel discussions on industry trends, MSME development, and the value of cross-sector collaboration. Day 2 opened with the fireside session “Innovating the Future: Startups Are Shaping a Digital Tomorrow,”moderated by PCCI Iloilo member Herminio “Minieng” Maravilla. The session featured insights from PCCI Iloilo Corporate Secretary Francis Gerona, member Genecio Woo, DOST VI ARD Kyte Belarmino, and FYRLAB Accelerator COO Martin Ortiz. Together, they emphasized the role of startups in catalyzing digital transformation in traditional industries.
In the afternoon, a second fireside chat spotlighted Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, who engaged in a timely conversation with PCCI Region VI Governor Atty. Peñaflorida on city-led innovation, governance, and inclusive economic strategies. Both discussions highlighted the importance of adaptability, youth engagement, and local government partnerships in shaping a resilient future.
Recognizing Changemakers
To cap off the two-day event, plaques of appreciation were awarded by DTI Region VI RD Rachel Nufable and PCCI Iloilo President Engr. Fulbert Woo to speakers and panelists in recognition of their leadership and contribution to regional development.
Other PCCI Iloilo officers and members were also present and engaged during the conference, including Vice President Noi Dongor, and session contributors Ms. Natalie Lim and Mr. Kevin Cruz, who served as moderators and panelists in various segments.
A Region Moving Forward Together
The WV-BIZCONEX 2025 served not just as a conference but as a movement—a collective push toward shaping Western Visayas as a hub of innovation, investment, and inclusive opportunity. With over 200 participants in attendance, the event laid the groundwork for continued partnerships, actionable strategies, and a renewed commitment to empowering enterprises and communities alike.
As Iloilo Business Month 2025 continues, the momentum from WV-BIZCONEX sets the tone for what lies ahead: a region committed to possibility, progress, and purpose.
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