The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI Iloilo) successfully marked a historic milestone with the 120 Years Celebration of the Iloilo Chamber Movement last December 8, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center, bringing together business leaders, government officials, NGOs, and development partners for an evening that honored Iloilo’s economic heritage and highlighted the Chamber’s growing role in shaping the region’s future.
Carrying the theme “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future,” the celebration traced the Chamber’s beginnings in the early 1900s and showcased its evolution into one of the country’s most active and influential local chambers. The event underscored PCCI Iloilo’s legacy as the Voice of Business, strengthened through partnerships, advocacy, and enterprise development.
Messages from Government and PCCI Leaders
The program opened with a welcome message from Chairman Felicito “Felix” H. Tiu, followed by messages from:
- 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, who lauded PCCI Iloilo for its excellence and consistency, citing its Hall of Fame distinction as the Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines for 2023, 2024, and 2025
In his President’s Message, Engr. Fulbert C. Woo emphasized the Chamber’s four pillars—Innovation, Inclusivity, Inspiration, and Impact—and highlighted key achievements, including membership growth and the establishment of 15 flagship programs that further broadened PCCI Iloilo’s regional influence.
PCCI Iloilo presented recognition to its Board of Directors, Program Chairpersons, and government partners, followed by the awarding of Plaques of Recognition to its institutional partners:
- Iloilo City Government
- Iloilo Provincial Government
- Department of Science and Technology – Region VI
- Department of Trade and Industry – Region VI
- Iloilo Science and Technology University
The Chamber also paid tribute to its past leaders—Past Chairperson Dr. Sandra S. Gomez and Past Presidents Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, Mr. Angel De Leon Jr., and Mr. Joe Marie Agriam—in recognition of their years of dedicated service and their lasting impact on the Chamber’s growth.
In a heartfelt moment, the entire PCCI Iloilo Board of Directors surprised Chairman Felicito “Felix” H. Tiu and President Engr. Fulbert C. Woo with a Leadership Excellence Award, represented by a specially crafted Teresa Magbanua sculpture by Ilonggo artist Marzz Capañang.
The choice of Teresa Magbanua—an Ilongga heroine known for her courage, leadership, and unwavering resolve—symbolizes the kind of visionary and principled leadership demonstrated by Chairman Tiu and President Woo. Her legacy mirrors the values that PCCI Iloilo upholds: bravery in decision-making, commitment to community, and the spirit of leading with purpose for the good of Iloilo.
2025 Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards
The Ilonggo Entrepreneur Awards (IEA) recognized outstanding Ilonggo enterprises across three major categories, with results tabulated by Reyes Tacandong & Co. and winners announced by Program Chair Jose Francisco Gerona:
- 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 Awards
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Captains of the Industry Awards, honoring 12 business leaders whose enterprises have significantly contributed to Iloilo’s economic development through job creation, innovation, market expansion, and long-term investments.
Awardees and Representatives:
- 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 (received by nephew Engr. Terence Uygonco)
- Media: Dr. Rogelio M. Florete
- Posthumous – Wholesale: Mr. Rodolfo C. Tiu (received by daughter Ms. Mary Belle Tiu)
- Posthumous – General Merchandise: Mr. Que Hua Pho (received by grandson Mr. John Alexander Que)
- Real Estate: Ms. Bernadette C. Tiu
- Transportation: Mr. Jan Andrew T. Po
These honorees were recognized for their visionary leadership, ethical business practice, and measurable contributions to local and national economic growth.
The celebration concluded with a message from the Vice President for External Affairs, who expressed gratitude to all partners, members, awardees, and stakeholders. He emphasized that the Chamber’s success is made possible by the collective effort of leaders, institutions, and the Ilonggo business community, reaffirming PCCI Iloilo’s commitment to continue shaping the future built on 120 years of legacy.