Baguio City among PCCI’s 2026 Top 5 business-friendly cities

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has once again included Baguio City in the Top 5 finalists of the 2026 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards under the City Level 1B (Provincial Highly Urbanized Cities) category.

After winning the title in 2020, Baguio maintained its finalist status from 2021 to 2023 and secured a place in the Top 5 in 2024, 2025, and again this year.

According to the PCCI, Baguio is among the outstanding cities that have demonstrated their “commitment to creating a more business-friendly, innovative, and enabling environment for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs in their communities.”

As one of the five finalists, the city advanced to the final judging held on Wednesday, September 23, at the PCCI Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, where its programs, initiatives, policies, and demonstrated impacts were further assessed.

Before the panel of judges, Baguio’s delegation highlighted its innovations in modernizing public services; reforms aimed at making the city more investor-friendly; the integration of sustainable development goals to balance economic growth with environmental initiatives; and investment promotion and competitiveness programs aimed at positioning Baguio as a top-tier investment destination.

The delegation was composed of officials and representatives from the City Budget Office, City Tourism Office, Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office (PDSO), Management Information Technology Office (MITO), and Permits and Licensing Office (PLO).

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said last year that the city was “hoping to win this award as it will cement our thrust to foster business competitiveness and economic resilience.”

The national winners in each category will be announced and honored during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo on October 14, 2026.