Quezon City gives cash aid to small enterprises

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday led the distribution of financial assistance to the first batch of small businesses that qualified for the economic stimulus program for those heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualified beneficiaries received between P100,000 and P300,000 under the Kalingang QC sa Negosyo Program for Small Enterprises, which aims to help small businesses recover and ensure the continuous employment of workers despite the public health emergency.

Belmonte said an estimated 5,000 workers employed in various small businesses in the city will benefit from the initial phase of the project.

She also formally launched the second phase of the program to allow more entrepreneurs to avail themselves of the assistance.

Calling them the lifeblood of the local economy, the mayor underscored the crucial role of small businesses, especially as the city recovers from the impact of the pandemic.

“Not only that, but these businesses employ hundreds of thousands of employees, most of whom are Quezon City residents,” she said.

“So in supporting these companies, we are also supporting their employees and the families that depend on them,” Belmonte added.