The Quezon City Government further empowered local vendors with the institutionalization of the QC Vendors’ Business School (QC VBS) through Ordinance No. SP-3430, S-2025. This aims to promote their professionalization, sustainability, and development, while recognizing their essential contribution to the city’s economy.

The ordinance, which establishes the first QC VBS in the country, was authored by Councilors Victor Bernardo, Aly Medalla, Emmanuel Banjo Pillar, Candy Medina, Wencerom Benedict Lagumbay and was enacted by the City Council led by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto.

The QC VBS provides trainings for vendors from public and private markets, hawkers, ambulant and street vendors. These include lessons in business management, food safety and quality, customer service, financial literacy, and climate adaptation. It capacitates them on areas such as income management, service quality, and compliance with city regulations.

The QC VBS will be operated by the Market Development and Administration Department as the lead implementing office, with support from the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office, and the QC Public Employment Office.

It is also in partnership with the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Resilient Cities Initiative, an international research organization that works with governments to strengthen urban food systems and food security. CGIAR Resilient Cities Initiative helped design the VBS curriculum and provided technical guidance to ensure that the training responds to real market conditions faced by vendors.

Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed gratitude to the city’s partners from the CGIAR Resilient Cities Initiative for investing their time and expertise in supporting the city and its vendors, noting that the collaboration demonstrated how international knowledge combined with local commitment can drive meaningful transformation.

“Alinsunod sa ating good governance culture, institutionalized ang suportang ito. Sa ilalim ng ating ordinansa, sinisiguro natin ang taunang funding para sa programa, ang libreng training para sa lahat ng qualified participants, at ang patuloy na pagpapabuti ng inisyatibo upang masigurong makabuluhan ang pagkatuto ng ating mga vendors,” Mayor Belmonte said.

“Ibig sabihin, ang programa ay hindi one-time training lamang. This ordinance makes the program official and sustainable, so vendors can continue to learn, improve, and adapt as the city grows.”

The VBS pilot was launched in February 2024 and by August 2024, a total of 108 participants completed the training workshops and coaching-mentoring sessions for six months.

Of those who completed the program, 103 vendors qualified for assistance under the PangkabuhayangQC Program of SBCDPO, further supporting their growth and sustainability.

By institutionalizing the QC VBS, the local government reinforces its commitment to empowering local vendors. The ordinance reflects a long-term vision of inclusive growth—one that not only helps vendors earn a living but also equips them with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to build a more secure future for themselves and their families.

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