In her message at the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)-World Bank forum on Monday, Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed pride in Quezon City (QC) being the leading Highly Urbanized City in the country, with over 3.2 million residents, and host to countless others who work, study, and conduct their business.

Belmonte also underscored the city government’s aim of becoming a hub for inclusive economic growth and innovation.

“Over the past five years, we have worked hard to make QC a ‘City for Everyone’, ensuring that our services are more efficient and truly responsive. In this bid for inclusivity, we have taken great lengths to create an environment where businesses can thrive —a big part of which is made possible by our digital transformation,” she said.

Belmonte said the city government has since created data-driven regulatory policies, streamlined processes, and proved its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“It wasn’t easy, but our efforts are paying off, as we now stand as the ‘Most Business-Friendly City’ in the country as well. We are proud to say that Quezon City is B-Ready (Business Ready) —and much more,” she said.

Belmonte said the city has achieved significant progress in digitizing government services, helping businesses navigate processes more efficiently.

Belmonte cited the city’s Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS), including the QC Biz Easy Portal for online permit applications and renewals which, she said, has played a central role in making business processes faster and more transparent.

“As of April 2024, 100 percent of all permit applications are done through this portal,” she said.

Belmonte said Quezon City can issue new business permits in less than a day and renew existing ones in under five minutes without applicants needing to visit the city hall.

It has also pioneered in automating business retirements, which is a first in the country, she added.

Through digital platforms like QC Pay Easy, businesses can now pay taxes and submit financial documents online.

The city government also boasts of an automated zoning evaluation system to streamline locational clearance processing and reduce legal risks for businesses.

Meanwhile, Belmonte highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive business environment by empowering small and rising enterprises, through initiatives, such as the “Pangkabuhayan QC” economic recovery program; and “STARTUP QC” incubator, which have become instrumental in providing entrepreneurs, especially those from marginalized sectors, with the resources, training, and mentorship needed to succeed.

She said the city is creating a more inclusive business environment by supporting entrepreneurs, especially stay-at-home mothers, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and displaced workers.

Among the city’s programs are capital support, market linkages, and even e-commerce assistance to boost the success of small businesses.

The forum held at the QC M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conference & Exhibits) Center aims to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, economists, and business leaders to enhance the Philippine business climate and push the country toward greater economic growth and international competitiveness. (PNA)