Taytay Rizal Means Business: A Municipality on the Rise

October 19 & 20, 2022

“The private sector is the engine of growth.”
These words, spoken by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan during the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, carried more than weight—they carried direction.

Held on October 19–20, 2022, at The Manila Hotel, the conference brought together over a thousand of the country’s most influential business leaders, government officials, and development stakeholders. Their mission: to align strategies, share insights, and commit to one clear goal—sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth driven by the private sector.

Throughout the event, high-level leaders including Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. echoed a consistent message: national recovery and progress require strong public-private collaboration. The private sector must take the lead in innovation, investment, and job creation. In turn, government must do more than regulate—it must actively enable.

The discussion was rich, ranging from SME support and infrastructure development to future-proofing the Philippine workforce. But amid all the national discourse, a significant moment stood out: the recognition of the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Units (LGUs) and Outstanding Local Chambers of Commerce.

This spotlight on local leadership served as a powerful reminder: real transformation begins on the ground.

A Municipality with a Mission

One local government took that message to heart—and is now turning it into action.

In Taytay, Rizal, ambition is no longer just an aspiration—it’s becoming a defined strategy. The leadership under Mayor Allan De Leon, supported by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO), led by Ms. Cristina “Chin” Gonzales, has made its vision clear:

Taytay is ready to compete. And Taytay is ready to lead.

The municipality is positioning itself as one of the country’s most business-friendly destinations, with streamlined processes, investor-ready policies, and a fast-growing ecosystem for entrepreneurship. From microenterprises to large-scale developments, Taytay is embracing a dynamic, future-forward approach to local economic governance.

At the heart of this push is a mantra—“Smile, Taytay na!”
Simple yet powerful, it captures the optimism and confidence of a community that knows where it’s going.

Building from the Ground Up

Taytay’s transformation is more than a branding exercise—it’s rooted in concrete action.

As part of its economic development agenda, the LGU is:

• Simplifying permits and licensing to ease business entry;

• Expanding infrastructure that supports logistics and trade;

• Promoting local industries such as garments and retail;

• Strengthening partnerships with chambers of commerce and the private sector;

• Investing in digital systems and data-driven planning.

The goal is not just to attract investment—but to build a thriving business environment that benefits every resident.

This approach reflects a broader understanding: Local governments are not just implementers of national plans. They are innovators, catalysts, and co-architects of the country’s economic future.

More Than Recognition

Taytay’s eyes are now set on a clear milestone: to bring home the recognition as the Most Business-Friendly Municipality in the Philippines.

But officials are quick to clarify—this is not about trophies.

It’s about making good governance visible. It’s about setting benchmarks, inspiring confidence, and delivering measurable results to the people. The business-friendly award is simply a reflection of something deeper: a shift in mindset, and a rising standard of public service.

The Road Ahead

Taytay’s journey is just beginning. But the momentum is unmistakable.

In a time when many communities are still finding their footing post-pandemic, Taytay is sprinting ahead—powered by leadership, community engagement, and a clear sense of purpose.

This is more than a case study in good governance. It’s a blueprint for what can happen when vision, action, and accountability meet.

Taytay means business. And the future is watching.

Padayon tayo.

By: Meme Borja