Belmonte vows more programs for ‘inclusive, sustainable’ Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — More than five years into her administration, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday touted the local government’s achievements in raising the standards of service and the bar of governance in the country.

Delivering her sixth State of the City Address, Belmonte highlighted the policies and programs that her administration implemented in the past year to make the city more “inclusive, sustainable and just for all residents and other stakeholders.”

“We have introduced policies, programs and innovations beyond the conventional ways of governance. We can say without any hesitation that we are not wasting the trust of our constituents,” she said.

“From 2019 until now, we have repaid this with service that goes beyond the usual mold. We serve with honesty, goodwill and efficiency. No wastage, no deception,” she added.

Belmonte, who is running for a third term in next year’s elections, outlined the different social service and economic programs rolled out by the city government.

These include expanded health care services, educational programs as well as support for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, women, children, workers and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Since 2020, Belmonte said the city government had provided P624 million in capital assistance to more than 60,000 citizens under its Pangkabuhayan QC program.

Initially launched during the pandemic, the local government later institutionalized Pangkabuhayan QC and expanded it to provide training to microentrepreneurs.

In terms of socialized housing, Belmonte said almost 28,000 families have benefited from the city’s programs.

“We have achieved nearly half of the housing provided by all city administrations since 1986,” she said.

The local government was able to do these programs without implementing any additional taxes or having to borrow funds from outside sources, according to Belmonte.

“Out of our P39-billion funding, more than half was allocated for social services, health, education, livelihood, housing and immediate support during crisis situations,” she said.

In 2023, the local government collected P22.9 billion in real property and business taxes. It expects this year’s revenue collection to reach P25.4 billion.

Climate action

Central to Belmonte’s programs are measures to promote sustainability and climate action.

“I’m proud to say that QC is leading this conversation here and internationally through innovations and grounded solutions,” she said.

“Quezon City continues to be recognized for our environment and sustainability efforts,” the mayor said.

Belmonte was recently included in Forbes’ list of 50 people leading global efforts to combat the climate crisis.

Aside from internationally recognized programs such as “Trash to Cashback” and “Kuha sa Tingi,” Belmonte highlighted other initiatives that the city government is implementing to promote sustainability and help protect the environment.

These include the acquisition of electric buses, establishment of more parks and green spaces, acquisition of biodigesters, expansion of bicycle lanes as well as installation of solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems in public schools and government offices.