The Quezon City Government will hold its first-ever LGBTQIA+ Business Summit on June 18 at the M.I.C.E. Center, Quezon City Hall.

With the theme “Building an Inclusive Future: Quezon City as an LGBTQIA+ Business-Friendly City,” the event aims to promote inclusive economic growth by recognizing the contributions of LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and workers, particularly those in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive development.

“Quezon City proudly stands for inclusive development, and as your Mayor, I will always lead with pride—not just during Pride Month, but every single day. Through inclusive programs like Pangkabuhayang QC, strong support for cooperatives and MSMEs, and one of the most progressive Gender and Development Codes in the country, we give every citizen the tools and the space to succeed—anuman ang kanilang kasarian, anyo, o kulay. We will bring joy when things get heavy, offer hope when the road gets rough, and stand as an unwavering ally to every gender, every dream, and every color of the rainbow,” Belmonte said.

The summit will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and success stories from queer entrepreneurs.

It will also highlight inclusive policies and encourage cross-sector partnerships to support LGBTQIA+-owned businesses.

Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce Chair Ronn Astillas stressed the importance of local governments in creating business environments that protect and sustain queer and ally-owned enterprises.

“The rising presence of the LGBTQIA+ community should signal a deeper and more unified approach towards genuine inclusive economic development. As the private sector becomes an essential growth partner, localities must provide a business climate that promotes, protects, and sustains queer- and ally-owned enterprises,” he said.