MANILA -- The Quezon City government continues to recognize the role of women in socio-economic development.
Mayor Herbert Bautista on Wednesday signed an ordinance that promotes and supports the development of women entrepreneurs in the city.
Authored by Councilors Irene Belmonte, Lena Marie Juico, Elizabeth Delarmente, Estrella Valmocina, Ivy Xenia Lagman, Marra Suntay and Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla, the local law created the “Quezon City Women Entrepreneurship Ordinance of 2017”.
Through the ordinance, a Quezon City Women’s Business Development Council will be created to develop and carry out a series of women-oriented programs and projects.
The council will be led by the City Council Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry chairperson, with Bautista as the honorary chairperson while Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte will be the honorary vice chairperson.
The vice chairperson will be the president or representative of a women’s sector who will be appointed by the chairperson and the mayor.
The council will be composed of the chairmen of the City Council’s Committee on Women, Family Relations, and Gender; and the Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Business and Entrepreneurship Development. Representatives from the Small Business Development and Promotions Office, Community Relations Office, and the women’s sector of the accredited NGO-business section will also be part of the council.
The ex-officio members of the council are the representatives from other government agencies such as Department of Trade and Industry, Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Science and Technology.
“The QC Women’s Business Development Council will be responsible for the organization, promotion, and development of women-oriented programs and projects, activities and events, in areas related to business and career, including those areas determined suitable by the Council, by way of facilitating and closely coordinating efforts to promote and support the endeavors of the women of Quezon City,” the ordinance said.
The measure also said March will be declared as the Quezon City Women Entrepreneurs’ Month to coincide with the city’s Women’s Month celebration. The 8th day of March will also be the inauguration of the series of programs and activities for the Quezon City women entrepreneurs.
During the month-long celebration, a series of women’s business and livelihood seminars will be conducted.
“The enactment of this ordinance will enhance participation in entrepreneurial and various women-oriented ventures that will further give recognition to the significant contribution of the women of Quezon City in the City’s socio-economic development,” the ordinance said. (PNA)
