In a bold step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable local economy, the Quezon City Government has officially launched the BE R.I.C.H.E.R. Scorecard, a comprehensive self-assessment tool designed to help local enterprises align their operations with global standards in resilience, equity, and sustainability.
BE R.I.C.H.E.R. stands for Resilient, Inclusive, Climate-conscious, Healthy, Emergency-ready, and Responsive—a set of pillars that reflects the city’s progressive vision for responsible business development. The Scorecard offers business owners a user-friendly way to evaluate their practices, identify areas for improvement, and chart a customized roadmap toward long-term success and social impact.
“This is more than a regulatory tool—it’s a mindset shift,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “The BE R.I.C.H.E.R. Scorecard challenges our entrepreneurs to lead with purpose. We are building a business ecosystem where success is not only defined by profit, but by people, planet, and preparedness.”
Mayor Belmonte emphasized that the program reaffirms Quezon City’s commitment to nurturing an economy that is not only vibrant and competitive but also socially just and environmentally sound.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) in close collaboration with several key offices, including the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO), Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD), Health Department (QCHD), Gender and Development Office (GAD), and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
“The Scorecard distills best practices and regulatory guidance into a practical tool that empowers businesses to evolve beyond basic compliance,” said Margie Mejia, head of the BPLD. “It simplifies requirements while encouraging proactive leadership in areas such as public health, climate resilience, gender equity, and emergency preparedness.”
Accessible via the official Quezon City Government website, the Scorecard is accompanied by step-by-step resources to help businesses complete their assessment and develop structured action plans.
As of April 23, 2025, 130 business owners have already used the tool to evaluate their operations. Among the six pillars, Resilience emerged as the top priority, with 83 of the respondents focusing on disaster-readiness and continuity planning.
Through this initiative, Quezon City reaffirms its role as a national leader in sustainable urban development—one that empowers its business sector to be not just economically strong, but also resilient, inclusive, and prepared for the future.
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