More Quezon City residents get livelihood assistance

MANILA, Philippines — Another batch of aspiring entrepreneurs have received support from the Quezon City government to start their own businesses.

Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday led the distribution of the financial assistance to 1,823 qualified beneficiaries of the Pangkabuhayan QC program.

Implemented by the QC Small Business and Cooperative Development Promotions Office (SBCDPO), the program provides P10,000 to P20,000 additional capital for displaced employees, micro-entrepreneurs and vendors, laid-off overseas Filipino workers, unemployed solo parents, persons with disabilities and indigent residents.

Initially conceptualized to assist those who were affected by the pandemic, the city government has since institutionalized the program and allotted an annual budget of P200 million.

Around 20,000 aspiring entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from the program every year.

Belmonte earlier described Pangkabuhayan QC as one of the flagship social services programs that she intends to pursue during her term.

During the payout, she expressed gratitude to beneficiaries for their enthusiasm and commitment in pursuing their business initiatives.

Prior to receiving the grant, beneficiaries underwent a rigorous verification process that assessed their proposed businesses.

They also took part in a livelihood training and management seminar to equip them with various skills necessary to manage their businesses.

The SBCDPO also tapped various partners from the government, civil society and private sector to provide further assistance to the beneficiaries.