Creating more jobs means more than connecting people to employment—it also means giving them the opportunity to build businesses of their own.

With this vision, Mayor Raisa S. Treñas launched the Sustainable Income Generation through Entrepreneurship (SIGE) Asenso Program and Reinforcing Ilonggos through Skills Empowerment or RISE Ilonggo, two complementary initiatives that equip aspiring entrepreneurs and community groups with the skills, resources, and support they need to create sustainable sources of income.

“When we invest in our entrepreneurs and community groups, we create opportunities that benefit entire families and communities. Through SIGE Asenso and RISE Ilonggo, we are giving Ilonggos the skills, support, and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods and become partners in Iloilo City’s economic growth,” Mayor Raisa said.

SIGE Asenso

Since the launch of SIGE Asenso on August 4, 2025, the Iloilo City Government has expanded entrepreneurship opportunities through business training, livelihood assistance, and policy reforms that encourage enterprise development.

The program conducted 14 capacity development activities attended by 1,639 participants, covering topics such as food safety and handling, accelerated capacity-building, cyber hygiene for businesses, and circular economy and disaster risk reduction.

SIGE Asenso also strengthened its flagship Uswag Negosyo Academy (UNA), which completed a total of 24 batches and produced 608 graduates equipped with entrepreneurial knowledge and business management skills.

To help graduates start or expand their ventures, the city extended ₱660,000 in financial assistance, while 19 entrepreneurs also received packaging and labeling support to improve the marketability of their products.

Beyond training, the city reinforced its commitment to entrepreneurship by institutionalizing policies that create a more business-friendly environment.

Among these were the Nano Enterprise Incentive Ordinance, which grants regulatory fee and business tax discounts to nano enterprises with start-up capital of ₱250,000 or less during their first three years of operation; the Food Truck Ordinance, which establishes clear regulations for mobile food businesses while ensuring public safety and sanitation; and the Technology Start-Up Ordinance, which provides institutional support and incentives for technology-based enterprises to grow in Iloilo City.

The city’s efforts also earned recognition. SIGE Asenso received a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional award under the Sustainable Development Goal Achievement Champions and Exemplars (SDG ACEs) program for its community-based livelihood initiative supporting Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

The recognition came with a ₱750,000 incentive, which will fund the establishment of a weaving production facility that will create more livelihood opportunities while helping preserve Iloilo’s rich hablon weaving tradition.

The DILG described SIGE Asenso as a transformative, people-centered, and responsive governance initiative, highlighting the city’s commitment to inclusive economic development.

RISE Ilonggo

Complementing these entrepreneurship efforts is RISE Ilonggo, launched on July 23, 2025, to help communities develop sustainable livelihoods through skills training, starter kits, and market linkages.

The program assisted four community groups in Lanit, Jaro; San Juan, Molo; and Sooc, Arevalo under Project 5 and 6 areas. Participants underwent skills training in fashion and garment production and basic weaving, preparing them for livelihood opportunities aligned with local industries.

To sustain these initiatives, the city allocated ₱237,026 in livelihood assistance through the Iloilo City Livelihood and Livelihood Office (ICLHO) and the Gender and Development (GAD) Program. It also secured an additional ₱2 million from EU-GEPP UNDP–Angat Buhay to expand training and livelihood activities.

So far, 72 individuals have acquired practical livelihood skills under Rise Ilonggo.

The program also helped local producers reach wider markets by participating in four trade fairs and marketing events, generating ₱7.88 million in total sales for community products.

Mayor Raisa said empowering entrepreneurs and community organizations is one of the city’s long-term strategies for creating a stronger and more inclusive local economy.