Mayor Joy Belmonte distributed checks to the first batch of beneficiaries of the Kalingang QC sa Negosyo Program for Small Enterprises, which aims to help small businesses recover and ensure continuous employment of QC residents amid the pandemic.

Belmonte said an estimated 5,000 workers who reside and employed in various small businesses in the city stand to benefit from the initial phase of the project. 

Launched last July 13, 2020, the project has earmarked P500 million to provide partial wage subsidy to local micro and small businesses, which employ between 165,000 to 330,000 QC residents.

QC is the first LGU in Metro Manila which offered the assistance to small enterprises.

During her speech, Belmonte underscored the crucial role these small businesses play, calling them the lifeblood of the local economy.

“Not only that, but these businesses employ hundreds of thousands of employee, most of whom are QC residents,” said Belmonte.

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

Belmonte also thanked the City Council, led by Majority Floor Leader Franz Pumaren, for crafting an ordinance which created an economic package to help those most affected by the virus.

Before the distribution of checks, Belmonte formally launched the second phase of the program to allow more businesses to avail of the assistance.

“The city government’s objective is simple — we help as much as we can, as long as we can. We are all in this together. Sama-sama tayong babangon, sama-sama rin tayong uunlad,” Belmonte said.

For any questions regarding the 2nd phase of the KQCN program, you may reach the Local Economic Investment Promotions Office at 8988-4242 local 1505 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LEIPOQC.