DTI and Quezon City’s local government recently signed an agreement to enhance collaboration on start-up and innovation government programs, aimed at boosting growth and supporting the development of innovators in the city. On Friday, DTI and Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte of Quezon City signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further the collaboration on start-up and innovation initiatives.
DTI released a statement on Thursday announcing the launch of Startup QC Program, through Ordinance No. 3109 S-2022, in Quezon City to establish a stronger start-up business ecosystem in the city. The Startup QC Program is a continuous initiative aimed at helping and supporting start-ups through acceleration activities, the development of start-up infrastructure, and funding of innovative start-up ventures, according to DTI.
DTI stated that Quezon City’s program aims to promote inclusive growth through the coordination of government and non-government initiatives, leading to job creation, enhanced production, and advancement of innovation and trade in the country. This effort aligns with Belmonte’s 14-point agenda to make Quezon City a top choice for businesses, secure long-term success through a two-year accelerator program, and create new jobs across a wider range of businesses.
The Trade department reports that the Mayor of Quezon City intends to establish lively business centers that motivate and empower citizens to design innovative business models aimed at addressing social issues. Belmonte also added that through such ventures, the city can facilitate the growth of start-ups through large-scale collaborations and inspire more individuals to venture into start-up creation.
As per the MOU, DTI will support the Startup QC Program with knowledge sharing, policy support, connections to other innovation stakeholders, and promotion of the initiative. DTI views this partnership as a valuable chance to lead the upgrade, improvement, and expansion of MSMEs and start-ups through the execution and promotion of digital transformation programs that leverage Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as key elements.
DTI Competitiveness Bureau Director Lilian G. Salonga emphasized the significance of local competitiveness, emphasizing that national competitiveness depends on it. She stated that by utilizing science, technology, innovation, and crucial digital technologies, industries can increase their influence in both domestic and export markets, resulting in a stronger economic impact and inclusive digital transformation.
DTI’s Startup Pilipinas Program aims to develop the Philippine Startup Ecosystem by promoting and supporting the creation of new and innovative products and services that will contribute to a more inclusive and resilient post-pandemic Philippine economy.
The Trade department acknowledged Quezon City’s recognition as the Overall Most Competitive Local Government Unit in Highly Urbanized Cities during the 2022 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Summit on October 20. Due to high scores in Economic Dynamism and Innovation Pillars, DTI notes that Quezon City has consistently held the title of Most Highly Urbanized City since 2016 and is a “Hall of Famer” and “champion of innovation.”
