Iloilo City: Western Visayas’ Rising Investment Hub Powered by Strategic Infrastructure, Thriving Sectors, and a Business-Friendly Climate

Iloilo City is emerging as a focal point for investment in the Western Visayas region, driven by strategic infrastructure developments, robust economic sectors, and a business-friendly environment.

Local government leaders are gearing up to position the city as a competitive investment destination, underscored by a comprehensive urban development plan that sets a framework for long-term growth.

Strategically located in the heart of Panay Island, Iloilo City serves as a vital gateway to Western Visayas. The city is well-connected, with the Iloilo International Airport and its seaport infrastructure providing access to major domestic and international markets.

Iloilo City has gained recognition as a technology hub, earning the distinction of a “Next Wave Cityˮ by the Department of Information and Communications Technology DICT for its growing business processing outsourcing BPO sector.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said this connectivity is key to enhancing the movement of goods and services in and out of the region.

"Iloilo City is more than ready for future growth, and we are committed to making our city a place where investors, businesses, and communities can thrive together," said Treñas, emphasizing the cityʼs readiness for expansion. "Our strategic location and modern infrastructure give us a competitive edge, and we are making every effort to maximize these strengths."

The cityʼs development of road networks, alongside its digital infrastructure — supported by service providers such as PLDT, Smart, and Converge — has further strengthened its appeal to investors.

"We are making sure that Iloilo City is not only physically connected but also digitally equipped to support the needs of modern businesses," Treñas added.

Expanding economic sectors

Iloilo Cityʼs economic engine is diverse and continues to expand. Key sectors such as agribusiness, healthcare, education, logistics, and the thriving ITBPO industry are drawing both local and international businesses.

The cityʼs growing business district, anchored by developments like the Iloilo Business Park, has seen investments from major developers including Megaworld, Ayala, and SM.

"Our business district is becoming a hub for commercial activities in the region," said Treñas. “The influx of investment is a clear indication that Iloilo City is a dynamic player in the national economy, with a tremendous potential for growth.

Tourism is also a major driver of the economy. Iloilo is quickly becoming a hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions MICE, with the Iloilo Convention Center hosting several high-profile international events, including Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC meetings in 2015, the recent ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information Sub-Committee and Culture meeting in September 2024, and the upcoming CityNet Executive Meeting in November 2024.

“We are positioning Iloilo City as a top Green MICE destination, with our new campaign “Green Meets Greatˮ to signal a liveable, sustainable, and highly urbanized Iloilo City that offers a wide array of green MICE options. The positive feedback from major events is proof that we are on the right track,ˮ the mayor said.

Business-friendly environment

In recent years, the Iloilo City government has implemented a series of reforms aimed at making it easier to do business. The Business One-Stop Shop BOSS, an initiative that streamlines the business registration process, is seen as a significant step toward improving ease of entry for new businesses. Additionally, off-site payment centers have been established in commercial areas to simplify government transactions.

"The reforms weʼve introduced have significantly reduced the time it takes to start a business in Iloilo City," said Mayor Treñas. "We want businesses to know that Iloilo is open for business, and we are here to support their growth."

The city also offers investment incentives, including tax breaks and exemptions, particularly in priority sectors such as ITBPO, tourism, healthcare, and agro-fishery.

The 2023 - 2028 Comprehensive Development Plan

Central to the cityʼs growth strategy is the Iloilo City Comprehensive Development Plan CDP for 20232028, which serves as the blueprint for future urban development.

The plan outlines the cityʼs ambitions to become a model of a “livable, resilient, and sustainableˮ city by 2029, with emphasis on disaster resilience, environmental sustainability, and fostering a business-enabling environment.

“We have a clear vision for Iloilo, and itʼs rooted in sustainable and inclusive growth,ˮ said Treñas. “The Iloilo City CDP is a guide on where we want to go and how weʼre going to get there. Itʼs also an invitation to investors to be part of this journey.ˮ

The CDP, combined with the Iloilo City Comprehensive Land Use Plan CLUP and the Iloilo Innovation Roadmap 2030, highlights specific areas where investors can participate.

These include real estate, healthcare, tourism, and education. The government is keen to collaborate with the private sector to push forward projects that align with the cityʼs vision for growth.

“Iloilo City is at a point where all the critical elements for investment success—strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive local government—are in place,ˮ said Mayor Treñas.

Salamat sa Tiwala: Home Credit PH Marks 11th Anniversary by Honoring 11 Loyal Customers

 Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, welcomes its 11th year of establishment in the Philippines. This milestone marks over a decade of being the Filipinos’ financial ally and providing accessible and reliable financing services to its customers.  

As it enters a new era of service, HCPH remains firm in its commitment to providing its customers with financing access. It continues to develop innovative financing solutions and credit opportunities to enable Filipinos to achieve their goalsand to adapt to the changing financial landscape throughvarious credit products and value-added services. 

 

In its 11th year and having served 11 million customers, HCPH is dedicated to being the financial ally of every Filipino, empowering them at every stage of their lives. The company has diligently expanded its sales networks nationwide, reaching 75 out of 81 provinces to make its solutions accessible to those who need them the most.

 

A celebration of milestones and trust

As HCPH welcomed its 11th year of service, the company commemorated the occasion with an event highlighting its users’ tiwala for the brand. The affair showcased and thankedits customers who have trusted HCPH throughout the years and honored those who have remained loyal since the company was launched in 2013. 

 

Eleven of the company’s loyal customers were recognized during a program held at Trinoma’s Activity Center on Oct 25. These patrons have availed of 11 or more products from HCPH. As a token of appreciation, they were each given a P20,000 cheque, had the opportunity to bond with HCPH’s brand ambassador Marian Rivera, and were serenaded by guest band Nobita.

 

“At Home Credit, we believe in building lasting partnerships with our customers. Our loyal customers are the heart of our brand, and their continued support has paved the way for our continued success in the past ten years. As we now welcome a new year of service, their trust serves as our fuel to growand their support propels us to continue innovating our financial solutions,” Sheila Paul, HCPH Chief Marketing Officer, remarked.

 

 

A partnership built on trust

One of HCPH’s guests during its anniversary event was the Kapuso Primetime Queen herself, Marian Rivera, who, apart from bonding with the crowd and HCPH’s 11 loyal customers, was there to announce her partnership renewal with the company.

 

A brand ambassador for more than a year now, Marian agreed to continue her reign as the face of the country’s leading consumer finance company for two more years. Herreturn isn't just a routine endorsement—it's a bold statement about trust and her unwavering commitment to a brand that empowers Filipinos.

“A trusted brand ambassador is more than just a face—theyare a reflection of the values and integrity that drive one’s brand’s growth. When a respected individual endorses our company, it sends a powerful message to our customers that their trust is valued, and their well-being is a priority.

This renewal of the partnership with Marian, who is known for her credibility and longevity in the entertainment industryaligns with Home Credit’s drive for trust and our commitment to being the Filipinos’ financial ally,” Paul added.

A financial ally in times of need

As the Filipinos’ trusted financial ally, and as part of its commitment to empowering them at every stage of their life, HCPH also recognizes its role in standing by its customers and communities in times of need.

 

As part of its immediate response to the recent typhoon that has impacted many lives across the country, HCPH also announced during the event that it will be making a financial contribution to a trusted charity close to Marian’s heart, the GMA Kapuso Foundation, to support relief efforts for those who were affected.

 

“Home Credit is committed to assisting those in need. Apart from our donation, we hope that our products, such as Home Credit Protect, will provide some relief during this difficult time. Whether it’s through home coverage plans or loan flexibility features, we want our customers to know that we are here to support them through every challenge,” Zdenek Jankovsky, HCPH Chief Business Development Officer, concluded.

 

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. 

 

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). 

 

Relax in Style: Solenn’s Guide to Unwinding with Samsung’s Super Big TVs—You Can Too!

 Samsung’s Neo QLED AI TV is the clear winner in delivering vivid content, this time on a bigger screen with the 85” Neo QLED 8K AI TV. Solenn Heussaff, lovingly and humorously dubbed as a “Wifezilla” by her husband, has become a relatable personality when it comes to the humorous side of married life. In her latest Wifezilla Tip post, the Samsung ambassador demonstrated how she took full advantage of the TV’s stunning picture quality to unwind, enjoy immersive entertainment, and showcase its lifelike visuals to her husband.

 Solenn poses in style with her Samsung Neo QLED 8K AI TV, her favorite choice for relaxation

Solenn’s “wife tricks” aside, Samsung’s advanced AI technology takes home entertainment to the next level, allowing her to live big and live cinematic thanks to the supersized 85-inch AI-powered TV. 

 

Samsung’s AI Upscaling is the Standard for Unmatched Visuals

 

Thanks to 8K AI Upscaling Pro, Samsung TVs deliver sharp, ultra-realistic visuals on their supersized screens. Solenn showcased this in her Wifezilla Tip video, where she tricked her husband into thinking she was in different locations made possible by the life-like visuals of her 85” Neo QLED 8K AI TV.

 

Samsung TVs transform home cinema into more than just entertainment, but a full relaxation experience. With these TVs’ ability to adapt to varying lighting conditions throughout the day, busy individuals can rest and recharge in between tasks while still enjoying the high-quality visuals of their film choice. 

 

Unleash Life-like Audio to your Living Room with Samsung’s Q-Soundbar 

 

Paired with the Q990-D soundbar, the viewing experience is elevated with both Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound Pro as these ensure to deliver a dynamic sound experience. The lifelike visuals of the Samsung TV, combined with superior audio technology, can create an immersive environment that makes every moment feel incredibly real.  

 

With Wireless Dolby Atmos, the powerful sound also helps create an immersive atmosphere. Samsung not only enhances visual realism in your living space but also delivers lifelike audio for every viewing experience. Whether it’s a thrilling football game or a romantic comedy film, Samsung takes the family entertainment to a whole new level–making it the perfect addition to any home this holiday season.  

 

Holiday Ready with Samsung’s Design and Cutting-Edge Security

 

Samsung’s Infinity Air Design also offers a minimalist, clutter-free viewing experience, seamlessly paired with the One Connect Box to hide all your connectivity cables. Even during the busiest holidays, your home can stay pristine like Solenn’s as your Samsung TV can integrate perfectly into any given space. 

 

Whether it’s Christmas planning or working on home decor, these holiday tasks can be hectic. Luckily, the Samsung SmartThings app allows users to easily manage their connected devices in a single app. Plus, users can enjoy a stress-free and connected holiday experience as Samsung’s Knox Security safeguards their personal data. 

 

Exciting holiday promos await! Supersize your holiday entertainment with Samsung’s super big Neo QLED and UHD TVs at unbeatable prices. Plus, enjoy endless content with a Disney+ Annual Premium Plan worth PHP 4,190, Globe GFiber Modem, Installation, and Unlimited internet Connection for 1 week worth PHP 1,499, and a Premium Service Pack worth PHP 10,000. Don’t miss out on this holiday season’s biggest deals—visit samsung.com/ph to know more. 

 

Brighten Your October with Awesome Savings! Exclusive Deals Await with foodpanda's Cheat Sheet until Oct.31!

Brighten up your days with awesome savings, and score exclusive deals with our October Cheat Sheet only with foodpanda! This handy guide is perfect for new and regular users looking for vouchers to save on their favorite food orders. So hurry, and make sure to take advantage of this month's vouchers before time runs out—because, as they say, "basta deals, panda!"

Check out these vouchers and make the most of your foodpanda experience:

First-Timer Alert: Check Out These Exclusive Deals Just for You:

Enjoy 50% off your first food delivery plus free delivery by using the code NEWPANDA at checkout. If you prefer to pick up your meals, get 20% off on selected restaurants with the code WELCOMEPU. Stock up on essentials with a fantastic P150 off your orders using the code NEWSHOPPER on your grocery runs. These limited-time offers make it easier than ever to enjoy delicious food and save while you shop! 

For the Celebration Planners: Unlock Exciting Seasonal Deals:

Take advantage of up to P200 OFF on food delivery, pick-up, and groceries with PASKONA for selected restaurants, pandamart, and shops. Plus, with payday just around the corner, make sure to use code PAYDAY from October 29-31 for a fantastic P500 cashback!

Yummy Deals for Foodie Yuppies:

If you’re ready to kick off the week, make it a great one with P200 off on Mondays and Tuesdays using the codes MON200, and TUES200 from orders 10 AM onwards. This is the perfect way to fuel your workweek! And for that rest that you deserve after a long week, don’t forget to use the code WEEKENDER for P300 cashback—perfect for those cozy nights in!

For Pick-Up Orders When You Already Want to Get the Party Started:

Make your special occasions even more memorable with food pick-ups! Use code WEEKEND from Friday to Sunday to snag P200 off. After those long days, treat yourself and your loved ones to a ‘just because’ dinner with P100 off daily from 5-8 PM using code DINNER—perfect for planning a cozy gathering or celebration. pandapro users won’t miss out on 15% off with PICKUP, and 10% off for non-pandapro users—because everyone deserves a great deal when celebrating!

For the “Always Be Prepared” Squad:

When it comes to groceries, foodpanda has you covered! Refill your essentials and enjoy P500 cashback with code SUPERMARKETS. Plus, use the code MORESHOPS for an additional P100 cashback on your grocery orders. It’s the perfect opportunity to fill your pantry while saving big—making it easier than ever to keep your household stocked and ready!

For the Ultimate Food Pro:

Exclusively for pandapro users, enjoy special perks with code PASKOPRO for 50% off on a 6-month pro plan! Also, use code PROCB for 10% off cashback on your orders, and PROEATS for P100 off in selected areas. Don’t forget to pay with pandapay—you’ll get up to P20 cashback!

Don’t wait—savor these savings and make the most of them before they’re gone on October 31. Get ready to feast and enjoy every delicious moment with foodpanda!

For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Youtube.

OPPO Pioneers AI Innovation with World’s First On-Device MoE Implementation, Setting New Standards for AI Advancements

Global leading smart device brand OPPO has achieved a significant breakthrough by becoming the first company to implement the Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture on-device. This milestone enhances AI processing efficiency, opens new possibilities for more advanced and flexible on-device AI, laying the groundwork for future innovations in AI's integration with mobile hardware.

As AI technology continues to evolve, more tasks are being performed on-device. However, large AI models require substantial computational power, which can impact performance, especially on devices with limited hardware resources. In response, OPPO has collaborated with leading chipset providers to implement the MoE architecture on-device to overcome these limitations.

 

The MoE architecture dynamically activates specialized sub-models (“experts”) to handle specific tasks, thereby significantly improving processing efficiency and cutting down computing and data transfer consumption. Lab tests reveal that on-device MoE architecture accelerates AI task speeds by approximately 40%, reducing resource demands and improving energy efficiency. This means faster AI responses, longer battery life and enhanced privacy as more tasks are handled locally on the device. 

 

Illustration of MoE Architecture

 

OPPO’s implementation of the MoE architecture on-device is a breakthrough that highlights its advancement in AI innovation. By lowering AI’s computational costs, MoE allows more devices-ranging from flagship to affordable devices-to perform complex AI tasks, accelerating AI’s adoption across the industry. As a result, The MoE architecture on-device opens new opportunities for the industry to make advanced AI capabilities more accessible to a wider audience.

 

Looking ahead, OPPO remains committed to advancing AI technology and making it available to more users. With over 5,860patent applications in the AI field, OPPO continues to invest heavily in AI R&D. The establishment of OPPO’s AI Center in 2024 serves as a key step in consolidating its AI research efforts, furthering the company’s mission to provide high-quality AI experiences to users worldwide.  Through continued research like MoE and the global rollout of AI-powered features across its smartphone lineup, OPPO aims to extend high-quality AI experiences to a broader audience, ensuring that AI technology becomes more accessible to users across its device categories.

 

 

Celebrate with Festive Deals: Acerpure Sparkling Holidays Promo

 Enjoy discounts of up to Php 7,500 on participating Acerpure products.

Welcome the Christmas season with a clean and sparkling home. Acerpure is kicking off the holiday home preparations with the Acerpure Sparkling Holidays promo. Get up to a Php7,500 discount on Acerpure Cozy air circulators and Acerpure Cool air purifiers, Acerpure Clean vacuum cleaners, and Acerpure Beauty hair dryers.

“Acerpure will help create a welcoming and healthy space for family and friends as we open our homes for the holidays,” said Sue Ong Lim, Managing Director of Acer Philippines.

Only purchases made from Acerpure Authorized Resellers, Acer Concept Stores, and Acer Philippines Online Stores are qualified for the promo. The promotion runs until December 31, 2024.

For more information about the Acerpure Sparkling Holidays promo, follow Acer Philippines on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, or visit www.acer.com.