The Quezon City government is aiming to become the country’s “social enterprise capital” by 2028, as the city reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth.
At the 2025 Philippine Social Enterprise Roadmap Conference held at the MICE Center on Wednesday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte narrated how the city, six years ago, promoted inclusivity and committed to progress that embraces all its residents, including the disadvantaged, and turned to the powerful model of social enterprise and community-driven economy.
“We will double, triple, quadruple our efforts so that by 2028, I can present to you this wonderful recognition that we are now the capital of social enterprise in the entire country,” she said.
“From creating our proof of concept and integrating social enterprise principles within our systems, we now seek to draw a blueprint for other local governments and the entire nation to follow.”
Belmonte said she believes that business, when guided with purpose, can be a powerful force for good, and that each citizen has the capacity to become an economic mover.
She cited the city’s track record in supporting 98,000 small entrepreneurs, or what she called “QCpreneurs,” through the city’s Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office.
She said these include stay-at-home mothers, solo parents, returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and members of marginalized communities.
Belmonte said 85 percent of these small enterprises remain active, with many now providing jobs and expanding their reach.
Among QC’s key initiatives is the establishment of the country’s first Circularity Hub in Payatas, where women are trained to transform discarded textiles into handcrafted products, combining sustainability with livelihood.
She said QC is now home to the largest number of cooperatives in the Philippines, while the city continues to help organize groups of tricycle drivers, waste collectors, seamstresses, and urban farmers.
