Mayor Joy Belmonte is the first elected woman Mayor of Quezon City, the largest city in Metro Manila, and a recognized leader in advancing climate action, environmental protection, and urban resilience.
Under her leadership, Quezon City has become a model of sustainability and disaster preparedness. She spearheaded iRISE-UP , a cutting-edge multi-hazard monitoring and early warning system that strengthens disaster risk reduction efforts, and GrowQC, an award-winning urban farming and food security program that empowers communities to grow their own food and reduce their carbon footprint. Both programs were recognized in the prestigious Galing Pook Awards, which honor the best practices of local government units.
Mayor Belmonte has earned international recognition for her climate initiatives. She was named a Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme—the UN’s highest honor for environmental advocacy—and recognized as a Resilience Champion by the National Resilience Council for her bold, science-based disaster preparedness programs. In September 2024, she was also listed among Forbes’ inaugural 50 Sustainability Leaders, joining global visionaries committed to fighting the climate crisis.
Her governance style places sustainability at the core of city development. She has mainstreamed climate change into local policies, pushed for the transition to clean energy, promoted green open spaces, and strengthened waste reduction and circular economy programs.
Beyond the environment, Mayor Belmonte champions gender equality, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. Under her administration, Quezon City has earned more than 400 local and international awards, including five consecutive unmodified opinions from the Commission on Audit, five straight Seal of Good Local Governance recognitions, and four consecutive Most Competitive City awards. These achievements highlight her brand of leadership—anchored on transparency, progress, and innovation.
Mayor Belmonte serves as the National Chairperson of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the Acting Executive Vice President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP). She is also one of the convenors of Mayors for Good Governance, a coalition of local chief executives building transparent, accountable, and climate-resilient communities.
She remains a steadfast advocate of servant leadership, data-driven governance, and inclusive participation—ensuring that Quezon City is not only a thriving metropolis but also a leader in climate action and a safe, sustainable home for future generations.