Quezon City is steadily building a strong reputation as one of the most business-friendly cities in the Philippines. In 2025, this effort received national recognition when the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) named Quezon City as one of the country’s top business-friendly local government units and awarded it a Hall of Fame distinction. This recognition did not come overnight. It is the result of years of consistent work to improve public service, reduce red tape and create an environment where businesses can grow with confidence.
The Hall of Fame award reflects Quezon City’s sustained performance in making it easier to do business. Ease of doing business means reducing unnecessary steps, shortening processing time, and making rules clear and simple to follow. For investors and entrepreneurs, these changes matter. When government processes are simple and predictable, businesses can focus on operations, expansion and job creation instead of paperwork and delays.
Reaching this level is a major achievement, considering both the large number and the high quality of businesses operating in Quezon City. Small and micro-sized businesses make up almost all registered enterprises in Quezon City. About 98 percent of businesses fall under this category. These enterprises play a vital role in the local economy. They create jobs, support daily livelihoods, and keep economic activity moving across communities.
Several key industries drive the city’s economy. Financial services, including banks and lending institutions, are among the strongest sectors. Transport and communication services also contribute significantly to economic activity. In addition, health and social services, along with schools and other educational institutions, provide steady employment and essential services to residents.
Given these factors, Quezon City stands as one of the country’s strongest economic centers. In 2024, it contributed about 6 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product, valued at an estimated PHP1.33 trillion. The city also recorded the highest revenue among all Philippine cities, highlighting its strong economic performance and financial capacity.
One of the main reasons Quezon City earned the Hall of Fame award is its effort to simplify and speed up government transactions. The city reviewed old systems that were slow and complicated and replaced them with clearer procedures. Business registration, permit renewals and other transactions were redesigned to be more efficient. These reforms benefit not only large companies but also small and medium enterprises that often struggle with limited time and resources.
Digital transformation plays a key role in these improvements. Since 2019, Quezon City has followed an ambitious plan to use technology to improve public service. The goal was simple: make business processes faster, easier and more accessible to everyone. As part of this effort, Quezon City became the first local government unit in the Philippines to fully implement an end-to-end automated online system for business transactions, including the issuance of electronic official receipts.
The QCitizen online platform, also known as QC e-Services, is the main portal for business registration in Quezon City. Through the BIZ EASY system, it brings all business applications into one online process. Business owners can submit forms and documents online, track their applications in real time and pay permit fees digitally. This system reduces the number of steps, shortens processing time and limits face-to-face transactions, helping prevent delays and corruption.
With this digital platform, business owners no longer need to visit several government offices. We avoid long lines and repeated follow-ups. The process is faster and less costly. Small and micro-entrepreneurs benefit the most, as they can focus on running and growing their businesses instead of spending time on paperwork.
Transparency and accountability are also central to Quezon City’s approach. Clear rules and accessible information help build trust between the local government and the business community. When people understand the process and know what to expect, there is less room for confusion and abuse. This transparent system creates a stable environment where businesses can plan ahead and make informed decisions.
Quezon City’s commitment to innovation goes beyond technology. The local government continues to review its policies and systems to respond to the changing needs of investors and enterprises. This willingness to improve and adapt shows a strong understanding that business environments are dynamic. What worked before may not always work in the future, so constant improvement is necessary.
These reforms support economic growth in many ways. By making it easier to start and operate a business, the city encourages more investments. More investments lead to more jobs, stronger local industries, and increased economic activity. Over time, these benefits reach communities through better employment opportunities and improved public services funded by a growing local economy.
Mayor Joy Belmonte has emphasized that the city’s success is rooted in good governance and teamwork. According to her, the Hall of Fame recognition proves that innovation and good governance can work together. She credited the city’s Economic Development Team and the trust of the business community for making these reforms possible. Her message is clear: progress becomes achievable when government makes it easy for businesses to comply and succeed.
The PCCI’s Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards recognize cities and municipalities that actively promote trade and investment. These awards also highlight local governments that uphold transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery. Winning this award, especially at the Hall of Fame level, means that Quezon City has consistently met high standards over several years.
Quezon City’s experience shows that local governments play a crucial role in national development. Policies and reforms at the city level directly affect how businesses operate on the ground. When local governments lead by example, they inspire other cities and municipalities to adopt similar reforms. In this way, Quezon City’s success contributes not only to its growth but also to broader improvements in public service across the country.
The largest city in the country treats business not as a burden, but as a partner in its development. By focusing on simplicity, clarity and efficiency, Quezon City proves that good governance can create real and lasting benefits. Its journey offers a clear lesson for other local governments — when systems are simple and services are responsive, both businesses and communities can thrive.
