Over 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across the region converged on July 18 at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo for What’s Up Western Visayas 2025—a landmark gathering that ignited powerful conversations around innovation, integration, and inclusive growth.
Now in its third year since launching in 2022, What’s Up Western Visayas remains a central highlight of Iloilo Business Month 2025. This year’s theme, “Innovate. Integrate. Elevate: Powering Western Visayas for the Future,” set the tone for a full day of thought-provoking plenaries, fireside chats, and strategic networking, all aimed at shaping a future-ready region.
In his rousing welcome address, PCCI Western Visayas Regional Governor Atty. Joebert Peñaflorida set the energy for the day with a bold call: “The question is: What’s Up, Western Visayas? I’m confidently sure—it’s MORE POWER with Roel Castro, MORE PROGRESS through the leadership of Governor Toto Defensor, and we will surely RISE to action with the call of Mayor Raisa Treñas.”
Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu likewise affirmed their commitment to inclusive growth. “Everything we do for Iloilo City – from expanding healthcare and empowering MSMEs to building green livable spaces – is grounded in one goal: to uplift the lives of every Ilonggo,” said Mayor Treñas. “We want businesses to feel heard, communities to feel supported, and partners to know that their ideas matter. Together, we rise.”
A powerful speaker lineup followed. Prof. Oscar Bulaong Jr., PhD of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business delivered a stirring talk on purpose-driven leadership, reminding the audience: “Every pain point, every failure, every valid criticism is a signal to adapt. Real leadership means facing discomfort with honesty, asking the tough questions, and deliberately cultivating the skills to grow—not just for ourselves but for the community we serve.”
Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Power, emphasized the region’s readiness for high-impact investments: “MORE Power has done innovations not just on the technological side. We’ve introduced transformative legal solutions, public-private partnerships, and customer-centered programs that make access easier and services more reliable. Iloilo is ready for investment in the next five years.”
In the mid-morning session, Mr. Dom Hernandez, Operating Partner at Kaya Founders, encouraged risk-taking and resilience: “Sometimes, everything seems in check – but the world works in mysterious ways, and you still end up with failure. I’ve seen that in my own brands. But what matters is how we learn, collaborate, and move forward. The startup movement belongs here, too.”
Afternoon discussions focused on future-proofing organizations and enabling smart growth. Ms. Judy Murillo, Regional Director at Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, shared actionable insights on developing a future-ready workforce. Mr. Kislay Chandra, COO of Sprout Solutions, followed with practical advice for scaling: “You may be great at building products, but if you don’t figure out how to communicate the value of your product to your prospective market or audience, you won’t be able to turn that product into a sustainable business.”
Prof. Xavier Alpasa, Chief Strategist at Xavier and Associates, drew attention to the transformative power of social enterprises. Closing the event was media icon and brand mentor Mr. Boy Abunda, who redefined the meaning of innovation: “I know you’re using uplifting and integration, and innovation is the word that’s abused. Innovation is not rejection of present concepts. Innovation is being able to adapt, being able to adjust, being able to recognize the merits of an existing concept and dribble it to a better one.”
Wrapping up the event, PCCI Iloilo President Engr. Fulbert C. Woo stressed the importance of people-centered progress: “We believe that as Western Visayas and Iloilo continue to grow, our people must grow with it. That means strengthening our skills, sharpening our leadership, and fueling our passion for innovation and service. And finally, this is not just about what we are, but who we want to become as Ilonggos.”
Organized by PCCI Iloilo and supported by the Provincial Government of Iloilo, City Government of Iloilo, MORE Electric and Power Corporation, and various sponsors, What’s Up Western Visayas 2025 once again proved itself a vital catalyst for regional transformation—equipping leaders with the mindset, partnerships, and momentum to power Western Visayas into the future.
