Bataan enters PCCI Hall of Fame after clinching 2025 Most Business-Friendly LGU award

The Provincial Government of Bataan has once again been recognized as the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) — earning the province a coveted Hall of Fame distinction after securing the prestigious award three times in the last five years.

This recognition underscores Bataan’s consistent excellence in nurturing a pro-business environment and fostering inclusive local economic growth. The province first received the award in 2018, followed by 2021, and 2023, making the 2025 win a historic milestone.

The Hall of Fame award recognizes LGUs that have demonstrated long-term commitment to business facilitation, transparency, and innovation. In Bataan’s case, these achievements are rooted in a governance culture anchored on meritocracy, data-driven decision-making, and family-centered development.

Bataan’s institutional reforms—such as the establishment of its Public-Private Partnership and Investment Center, streamlined business-permitting processes, and digitalized government services—have significantly improved the ease of doing business and enhanced investor confidence.

“These consistent recognitions affirm that Bataan’s progress is not by chance but by design,” said Governor Jose Enrique S. Garcia III. “Our commitment to merit-based governance, data transparency, and partnership with the business sector ensures that every initiative translates to better opportunities for our people.”

At the heart of Bataan’s governance philosophy is the vision of Matatag na Pamilyang Bataeño—the conviction that when families are strong, communities and businesses thrive. This principle guides the province’s programs in education, workforce development, infrastructure, and livelihood generation.

Governor Garcia emphasized that Bataan’s governance model is anchored on meritocracy—a system where public servants are selected, rewarded, and evaluated based on performance, innovation, and measurable results.

“This Hall of Fame award deepens our responsibility to do even better,” he said. “We will continue strengthening our merit-based governance system to ensure that progress benefits every Bataeño family through jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth.”

The PCCI Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards recognize local governments that exemplify excellence in economic development, ease of doing business, and investment promotion. LGUs that have won the award three times within a five-year period are elevated to the Hall of Fame, marking them as national benchmarks for business-friendly governance.

With this latest accolade, Bataan cements its reputation as a premier investment destination and a model for how meritocracy, innovation, and community-centered development can drive long-term prosperity.