QC gov’t resumes cash grant application for micro-entrepreneurs

FILE PHOTO: Facade of the Quezon City Hall.

MANILA, Philippines — Micro-entrepreneurs in Quezon City may apply for financial grants and livelihood training as the local government resumes its Pangkabuhayang QC program.

The city government said Tuesday the program aims to provide P10,000 up to P20,000 additional capital to displaced/resigned employees, micro-entrepreneurs/vendors, laid-off overseas Filipino workers, unemployed solo parents, persons with disabilities, and indigent residents of Quezon City.

“The capital assistance that we are providing can help our QCitizens start small businesses such as a sari-sari store, small eatery, or even an online retail shop. Its goal is to give them a sustainable source of income through entrepreneurship,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.

The application for the program will be integrated into the QC-Eservices website, which will provide applicants a schedule for an interview where their supporting documents will be reviewed, the city government said.

To help residents apply for the program, the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotion Office (SBCDPO) tapped barangay offices and computer shops wherein computer shop owners in District 2 were oriented and trained to guide applicants through the online portal.

“We want this program accessible to all interested QCitizens especially those who are aspiring entrepreneurs. By tapping computer shops in their barangays, even those who are not tech-savvy or do not have access to the internet can apply for the program,” SBCDPO Head Mona Celine Yap said.

The 3,700 internet access points located across the city can help citizens connect to the website, the local government said.

It added that the program was able to give capital assistance to more than 25,000 citizens with a P260 million budget during its first phase.

Through city ordinance SP-3071, which institutionalized the program, more than P200 million will be allocated yearly for around 20,000 beneficiaries. – Xander Dave Ceballos, INQUIRER.net intern

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