Serving as the youngest department head in the Quezon City Local Government, Ms. Mona Celine Marie Yap leads the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO) with a strong commitment to inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and cooperative development.
Under her leadership, the QC-SBCDPO, in partnership with various institutions, has supported over 94,000 individuals across Quezon City, strengthening the city’s
micro, small, and cooperative enterprise ecosystem. These efforts contributed to Quezon City being recognized as the Most Business-Friendly City, eventually
earning a Hall of Fame distinction after receiving the award for three consecutive years.
Guided by the 3Ms of Successful Entrepreneurship — Money, Market, and Mentorship, the office has provided cash and capital assistance to more than
71,000 QCitizens, helping entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their businesses. It has also conducted training programs for nearly 6,200 entrepreneurs and
created over 2,000 market access opportunities, linking local businesses to customers and institutional markets.
A key focus of Ms. Yap’s leadership is the strengthening of the cooperative sector in Quezon City. Through the Cooperative Development Program, the QC-SBCDPO
continues to support cooperatives through initiatives such as the Weekly Cooperative Clinic, Pre-Registration Seminars, Mandatory Trainings, and the annual
celebration of National Cooperative Month through the Kyusi Coop Trade Fair.
To date, the QC-SBCDPO has conducted nearly 80 sessions for cooperatives, assisting close to 300 cooperatives and supporting more than 600 cooperative
members. These efforts have contributed to Quezon City having the highest number of registered cooperatives in the National Capital Region.
Ms. Yap holds a Master’s degree in Public Management from the Ateneo School of Government and is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Social
Enterprise Development. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was also selected as one of only 35 fellows in the 2025 Obama Leaders Asia-Pacific
Program.
Through her leadership, Ms. Mona Celine Marie Yap continues to champion programs that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen cooperatives, and support inclusive economic
growth in Quezon City.
