As the country tries to revive the economy despite the continued threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Quezon City government did its part by distributing stimulus package for medium and small enterprises.

A total of 114 businesses covering 5,500 employees are included in the Kalingang QC sa Negosyo (KQSN) program for Small Businesses Phase 2.

“Layon ng Kalingang QC sa Negosyo na tulungang makabangon ang mga negosyong lubhang naapektuhan ng pandemya (Kalingang QC para sa Negosyo aims to help businesses recover after being badly affected by the pandemic),” according to a statement released Monday night.

The beneficiaries underwent a rigid evaluation and verification process of the KQSN selection committee.

The Local Economic Investment Promotions Office of the city explained that the assistance is not a loan, but an aid that has a total budget of PHP5 million.

The qualified business have between 10 and 99 employees, are registered and operating in the city, have settled their obligations or business tax payments from 2017 to 2019, and without pending cases before the QC Business Permits and Licensing Department, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

For now, applications are no longer accepted and cheques are already being released.

The Kalingang QC program previously assisted displaced workers who have not received other financial aid, like the Social Amelioration Program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The QC Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office also provided business startup capital to resigned or displaced workers (including overseas workers) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployed solo parents, and persons with disabilities. (PNA)