Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has launched a campaign requiring hotels, apartelles, inns and other check-in establishments to enforce stricter check-in rules as the city moves to curb human trafficking.
The city has opened applications for the QC SAFE Seal, a certification program that subjects check-in establishments to anti-trafficking standards while linking business incentives to compliance levels. The program’s name stands for Quezon City Stops All Forms of Exploitation.
The city government announced the rollout of applications on April 28. According to officials, accommodation establishments are among the more common venues where trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable guests, especially minors, often go undetected. The program integrates safeguarding requirements directly into the city’s business licensing system.
To qualify, establishments must train staff to detect signs of exploitation, enforce stricter check-in protocols for minors, maintain visible child protection measures and assign a safeguarding officer. Applications are filed online through the QC e-Services portal and processed by the Business Permits and Licensing Department, which conducts verification procedures and on-site inspections before granting certification.
Compliant establishments may receive benefits such as faster permit processing, inclusion in city tourism promotions and eligibility for recognition and tax-related incentives. The city said compliance levels determine which incentives an establishment can access, creating a tiered system that rewards deeper adherence to the program’s standards.
“We count on our accommodation establishments as a vital line of defense against human trafficking,” Belmonte said.
She also described the seal as a mark of credibility for guests. “The QC SAFE Seal signals that an establishment meets the city’s standards for safety and protection, making it a trusted space for guests,” Belmonte added.
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