Why You Should Invest in Iligan City
Iligan City is a highly urbanized city in Northern Mindanao. It is a major component of the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor (CIC), one of the priority investment areas in the Philippines. This highly urbanized, industrialized city has a rich history and has exhibited growth and development, which has attracted more investor. Here are the reasons why you should invest here:
Strategic Location
The City of Iligan is strategically located in Northern Mindanao. It is bounded by the municipalities of Balo-i and Linamon of Lanao del Norte on the south; by the municipality of Lugait, Misamis Oriental on the north; by the territories of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon on the east; and on the west by Iligan Bay.
Its location, as the direct neighbor to the only Islamic City in this part of the world, also earned its nickname as “Gateway to the Bangsamoro.”
Accessibility
The city is accessible via air, land, and sea travel. Iligan is approximately 30 minutes away from the Laguindingan Airport, making travel by air from major cities easier and faster.
With the Mindanao Railway System project set to start next year, accessibility will be much improved. The first phase of the project includes construction of a 124-km circumferential railway system will cover the Cagayan de Oro – Iligan Corridor, from the municipality of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental to Linamon, Lanao del Norte.
Rich Resources
Iligan City is known as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls.” It is home to more than 26 waterfalls, including Maria Cristina Falls, Tinago Falls, and Limunsudan Falls.
Lanao has earned the nickname “Battery of Mindanao.” The hydroelectric power plant, powered by Maria Cristina Falls, supplies no less than 65% of the power needs of Mindanao. As a host city, Iligan is entitled to no less than 25% more power allocation from the Grid, more than any other city in Mindanao.
Diverse and Talented Workforce
Iligan City offers a diverse workforce. The City is home Muslims, Christians, and Lumads. Its people are known to be friendly, religious, and hardworking.
The most outstanding school in the region, Mindanao State University –Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), produces talented graduates. The Institution has cemented its reputation as the leading institution of higher learning in Mindanao. The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has designated a total of seven Centers of Excellence (COE) and 11 Centers of Development (COD) for MSU-IIT.
Business-Friendly Environment
The City Government endeavors to promote rapid socio-economic development and generate employment. The generous incentive packages of up to 9 years tax holiday for would-be investors in preferred industries helps attract more businesses.
Infrastructure, Utilities, and Communication Facilities
The city proper is well connected to the various barangays of the City via the 865-km local road network.
Various companies are operating in Iligan to provide the City’s electricity, water, and telecommunications needs. The City’s electrical power requirements are provided by 3 hydropower plants and 1 diesel plant. Water is supplied by Iligan City Waterworks System. The City is also served by 3 digital telephone systems, 3 wireless telephone systems (Smart, Globe, and Sun Cellular), 3 cable stations, 1 TV station, 5 radio stations, 10 Messengerial Agencies/ Cargo Forwarders; 1 Post Office; 4 newspaper publications; 5 Internet Service Companies & other private internet cafes located within the city proper.
Promising Future
A bright future awaits Iligan City:
- Mindanao Railway System project is set to start phase 1 next year. Phase 1 connects Iligan to Gingoog City
- Laguindingan, approximately 30 minutes from Iligan City, is poised to become an Aerotropolis (an airport city) by 2025.
- Iligan is 30 minutes away from the projected Balo-i Industrial and Agricultural Zone, a Special Economic Zone dedicated to producing and marketing Maranao products (palapa, okir, agong, sarimanok etc.) for the export market.
- The City is also 30 minutes away from MIRAIC-the Metro Iligan Regional Agricultural and Industrial Center of the Province of Lanao del Norte, a Special Economic Zone dedicated to agricultural and ethanol fuel production.
- Approximately 85% of Iligan’s land area are the hinterlands, waiting for development from interested investors.
With these reasons and more, Iligan City continues to attract more investors.
