Entrepreneurship programs expand business opportunities across Quezon

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Beneficiaries showcase candle-making livelihood equipment distributed under Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino

Beneficiaries showcase candle-making livelihood equipment distributed under Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan’s STAN on Skills program during the STEP-UP entrepreneurship activity in Lucena City. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Rising business costs and persistent poverty are placing greater pressure on farmers, fisherfolk, and small entrepreneurs, prompting the provincial government to expand entrepreneurship development and investment support. Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan is pushing for business-friendly policies and livelihood programs to help enterprises withstand economic pressures, generate employment, and improve household incomes.

The province is advancing these efforts through its STEP-UP Entrepreneurship Development Program, which provides business training, mentoring, product improvement, and marketing assistance to local entrepreneurs. The initiative complements Quezon Business Month and the 2026 Quezon Business Excellence Awards, linking enterprise development with the broader goal of strengthening economic opportunities across municipalities.

Tan raised concerns over the province's economic vulnerabilities during the Quezon Business Excellence Awards on November 9, citing poverty-related data presented at a recent development planning meeting. She emphasized that Quezon's dependence on agriculture leaves farming and fishing communities particularly exposed to rising production costs, economic disruptions, and increasing pressure on household finances.

The governor stressed that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain central to the provincial economy despite growing investments from larger industries, particularly renewable energy projects. She urged local governments to provide incentives and practical assistance that would help entrepreneurs maintain operations, expand businesses, and create additional jobs.

“Rising economic pressures have made life increasingly difficult for farmers, fisherfolk, and small entrepreneurs, particularly those struggling to sustain their livelihoods amid higher operating costs. Local governments must continue providing incentives and meaningful assistance to help existing businesses remain operational, encourage expansion, and create additional employment opportunities for our communities,” Tan said.

Launched in October 2024, STEP-UP provides structured entrepreneurship training aimed at improving business management, product competitiveness, and enterprise sustainability. Its sixth batch graduated on November 10, 2026, at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, with 50 MSME participants and 50 students from St. Anne College Lucena, Inc. completing the program.

Participants underwent 15 days of intensive training supported by coaching and mentoring sessions covering business management, product development, and entrepreneurial decision-making. Implemented with support from the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the program also provided opportunities for business pitching, trade fair participation, and marketing assistance.

The provincial government extended its support through the Merkado-Ready Project, which assisted 100 MSMEs from earlier STEP-UP batches with packaging, labeling, and branding improvements. Additional livelihood assistance included candle-making equipment for Candelaria, motorcycle repair tools for beneficiaries in Quezon's Second District, and fish-processing equipment for solo parents in Mauban.

Beyond technical training, Tan emphasized that business growth requires efficient government services and local policies that encourage investment rather than discourage entrepreneurs. She called on municipal governments and Business Permits and Licensing Offices (BPLOs) to simplify transactions, strengthen investor assistance, and create conditions that help enterprises remain competitive.

“We want investors and entrepreneurs to feel that the government is genuinely supporting and guiding them through every stage of establishing or expanding their businesses. By streamlining business permits and licensing procedures, we can create a more investment-friendly environment that encourages enterprise development and strengthens economic opportunities throughout Quezon,” Tan said.

The province's efforts to develop local enterprises were also reflected in the Quezon Business Excellence Awards 2026, held under the theme “Advancing Business, Expanding Opportunities.” Spearheaded by the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Unit (PEDIPU), headed by EnP Emmanuel Querubin, in partnership with DTI-Quezon, the ceremony recognized local governments and enterprises for their contributions to business development and employment.

Recognition covered newly registered businesses, business retention, sustained enterprise growth, MSME best practices, and large employers generating local jobs. Outstanding young entrepreneurs and long-established businesses were also honored for their innovation, resilience, and continuing contributions to the provincial economy.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) recognized Quezon Province under its 2026 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards, while Sampaloc received a national award in the municipality Level 2 category. Dolores was also named among the top-five finalists, highlighting the participation of Quezon municipalities in efforts to improve local business environments.

At the provincial level, Lucena City and Mulanay were recognized for newly registered businesses, while Sariaya and Padre Burgos received distinctions for business retention. San Francisco and Padre Burgos were also honored for sustained growth in registered enterprises, reflecting efforts to support business activity across different localities.

Outstanding enterprise awards went to Fresco Brews of Catanauan, Appleton Little Paradise Beach Resort and Restaurant of Real, and Pinagdanlayan Rural Improvement Club Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Dolores. Café Roman of Catanauan received the Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award, while Philippine Gulf-based Incorporated of Candelaria was recognized for local employment generation.

The annual observance of Quezon Business Month and the Quezon Business Excellence Awards was institutionalized through Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-011, sponsored by Provincial Board Member Jan Joseph G. Aquivido. The measure provides a continuing framework for recognizing entrepreneurship, promoting responsible business practices, and strengthening cooperation between government and the private sector.

With MSMEs accounting for approximately 96 percent of registered businesses in Quezon, the provincial government's development strategy places considerable emphasis on helping smaller enterprises become more resilient and competitive. The longer-term challenge is to ensure that STEP-UP training, improved market access, and investment-friendly policies translate into viable businesses, stable employment, and higher incomes for Quezon households.