The province of Bulacan reaped three awards during the PCCI's Philippine Business Conference held last October 13, 2005 at the Manila Hotel. The province won, for the second year, the Most Business Friendly Province Award, while the City of San Jose del Monte bested other cities in the Most Business Friendly City category. The BCCI won its 7th Most Outstanding Local Chamber Award in the North Luzon Area.

Vice Governor Rely Plamenco received the award from President Gloria M. Arroyo, in behalf of the Governor, who was on official business mission to Naples, Italy. City Mayor Lito Sarmiento ecstatically received the awards together with City officers and employees. BCCI VP for Operations Corazon Ledesma received BCCI's award in behalf of BCCI President Violy Luna, who was still in the United States after attending the 'Pista ng Bulacan sa Las Vegas'.

Bulacan was cited for its consistent effort to promote an environment conducive to business in the province. The City of San Jose del Monte won the Most Business Friendly City Award. The LGUs are chosen for achieving a continuous improvement of services in their areas, benefiting both the business community and the citizenry. With PCCI's unwavering commitment to support and encourage innovation, best practices and role models among the country's LGUs, the Award recognizes cities, municipalities and provinces commendable for their efforts in instituting good governance in their respective constituencies that span from:

• Implementing sound and business-friendly procedures and processes that promote trade and investment;
• Ensuring accountability, transparency and efficiency in the conduct of their day-to-day operations especially in administering transactions and procedures for the issuance of business permits, building occupancy permits and real property documents; and
• Promoting competitiveness that improves the quality of life of its people and to encourage entrepreneurship in their areas.

The Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry won its 6th award for six consecutive years. It received a second citation for its consistent performance as outstanding chamber. The award was based on the chamber's leadership and dynamism and its contribution to business growth and development in the community, as shown in its active involvement in advocacy to provide a suitable environment for the growth and expansion of commerce and industry, and its implementation of programs, holding of activities and rendering services for its members to promote trade and investments.