Lapu-Lapu eyes most business-friendly award

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City is vying for the 2026 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) award in the highly urbanized city category after presenting its programs and initiatives before a panel of judges in Manila.

The city is among the five finalists in the City Level 1B (highly urbanized city) category of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards.

The city’s delegation presented its programs, policies, and practices aimed at supporting businesses, attracting investments, and promoting local economic activity.

The presentation was held at the PCCI in Manila and was followed by a question-and-answer session with the board of judges.

Lapu-Lapu City was represented by officials from the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO), Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), City Treasurer’s Office, Office of the Chief of Staff, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The delegation included LEDIPO head Atty. James Sayson and assistant Atty. Reila Jumaoas, City Treasurer Claire Cabalda, BPLO head Atty. Karl Rosolada, Chief of Staff Atty. Ailee Tejano, and city councilors Annabeth Cuizon and Arianne Yap.

Lapu-Lapu City Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Anthony Noel also joined the city delegation during the presentation.

The city is competing against four other highly urbanized cities—Bacolod, Baguio, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro—for the award.

The competition recognizes local governments based on their efforts to create an environment conducive to business and investment, as well as initiatives that support economic development.

For Lapu-Lapu City, the presentation highlighted the combined efforts of the local government, business community, investors, workers, and residents in sustaining economic activity in the city.

The city government said its business-related initiatives are intended not only to attract investments but also to create employment opportunities and support small and medium-sized businesses.

Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan expressed hope that Lapu-Lapu City would receive the recognition, but emphasized that the presentation also provided an opportunity to showcase the city government’s continuing efforts to make its services responsive to businesses and supportive of enterprise. — /MRM (FREEMAN)