CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — In a historic move to position Pampanga as a prime investment destination and champion transparency in governance, the Pampanga Provincial Government launched the first-ever Pampanga Business and Investment Forum 2025 on Aug. 27 at the Kingsborough International Convention Center here.
Spearheaded by Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, the forum was held in partnership with the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham), and brought together top investors, entrepreneurs, local leaders, and national government agencies including Anti–Red Tape Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
The forum served as a platform to present Pampanga’s growing economic potential, with discussions focusing on RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act), investor-friendly reforms, environmental sustainability, and best practices among local government units.
Governor Pineda underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting legitimate businesses and called on the private sector to stand united against corruption.
“We want the business community to know that there is a government they can rely on. If you are a legitimate business owner, do not be afraid— we do not tolerate corruption in our LGUs,” she said.
In 2024, Pampanga recorded 29,165 business name registrations, marking a 6.7% increase from 2023, according to the DTI, an indicator of growing investor confidence in the province.
The PamCham and business leaders lauded the province’s efforts to foster a climate of trust and transparency, reaffirming Pampanga’s image as a business-friendly and reform-driven region.
To institutionalize reforms, Governor Pineda announced the creation of two new bodies: the Pampanga Provincial Business and Industry Development Council (PPBIDC) and the Provincial Ease of Doing Business Task Force (PEODB-TF). Both aim to streamline permitting systems and simplify bureaucratic processes for entrepreneurs across all LGUs.
The Pampanga Business and Investment Forum 2025 marked a bold step forward in building a progressive, people-centered, and investor-ready Pampanga, where transparency, opportunity, and inclusive growth go hand in hand. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina
