Quezon City research grant named after The STAR’s founder

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has allocated an initial P1 million for a research grant named after The Philippine STAR founding chairperson Betty Go-Belmonte.

Mayor Joy Belmonte recently approved the enactment of an ordinance establishing a research grant named after her late mother, the city government said in a statement yesterday.

The measure, authored by Councilor Aly Medalla, aims to provide support to Quezon City residents “undertaking advanced studies in science and technology, culture and arts, policy and social research and other fields of learning that would contribute to the holistic and sustainable progress of the city.”

Qualified to avail of the research grant are residents taking up undergraduate and postgraduate degree studies, including professors, with approved research, thesis or dissertation proposals related to issues and concerns of the city and its people.

Those accepted to become fellows of the Betty Go-Belmonte Research Grant will be entitled to a maximum cash grant of P100,000, maximum of P20,000 allowance for books and instructional materials, maximum of P20,000 allowance for health, insurance and transportation and maximum of P20,000 allowance for printing and reproduction of the research paper.

They will also get support in public forum presentation arrangements, as well as access to all units or departments of the city government, including officials.

“The passage of this measure ensures that QCitizens undertaking meaningful studies for the good of the city are given ample support. Our family is honored for the recognition given by the city council to our mother who dedicated her life to the pursuit of truth, integrity and fairness in journalism,” the mayor said.

The grant will get an initial funding of P1 million on its first year.

A secretariat headed by an executive officer to be appointed by the mayor will manage the program.

The secretariat will be composed of representatives from the office of the city administrator, city planning and development department, youth development office, Quezon City University, chairperson of the city council committee on education, science and technology and faculty representatives from Quezon City-based higher education institutions.