Quezon city: The country's first Vendors' Business School, institutionalized by the Quezon City government through an ordinance, continues to empower local vendors, including peddlers and hawkers. The city government said the ordinance acknowledges that vendors generate revenue through regulatory fees, create jobs, support farmers and manufacturers, and provide affordable access to essential goods.
According to Philippines News Agency, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized that the program aligns with the city's good governance culture by institutionalizing support for vendors. The ordinance ensures annual funding for the program, offers free training for all qualified participants, and strives for the continuous improvement of the initiative to guarantee meaningful learning experiences for the vendors. Mayor Belmonte highlighted that the program is not a one-time training but a sustainable effort to help vendors learn, improve, and adapt as the city evolves.
The ordinance addresses the stigma surrounding informal workers, who have often been seen as eyesores or traffic obstructions, making them vulnerable to exploitation and illegal collections. This perception has hindered their integration into the formal economy. The initiative, which was piloted in 2024, has already seen 108 vendors complete the six-month training, with 103 qualifying for further assistance under the city's PangkabuhayangQC Program.
Section 5 of the ordinance outlines the school's goal to empower learners by equipping them with knowledge and skills to develop and expand their businesses. It promotes innovative and sustainable business practices that enhance economic resilience and contribute to the overall growth of the local economy.
The city government implements the program through its Market Development and Administration Department, supported by the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office and the QC Public Employment Office. The CGIAR Resilient Cities Initiative partnered in designing the curriculum based on actual market conditions.
