QC Mayor Belmonte among Forbes’ 50 Sustainability Leaders 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s photo on Forbes magazine

MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s efforts against climate change have been recognized anew as she was named by Forbes as one of its inaugural 50 Sustainability Leaders.  

Belmonte made it to the prestigious list alongside fellow C40 Cities members—Mayors Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone; Anne Hidalgo of Paris, France and Michelle Wu of Boston—as well as various entrepreneurs, scientists, philanthropists, investors, politicians, and activists leading global efforts to combat the climate crisis. 

“The 50 honorees recognized as Forbes inaugural Sustainability Leaders span industries and disciplines while all demonstrating exceptional ambition, innovation, and recent, tangible impact that is both scalable and sustainable,” Forbes said.

“This first class of Sustainability Leaders highlights individuals driving real and lasting impact. We honor them for their vision and stewardship of our planet and to showcase the creative, inspiring solutions they are leading from the lab to the boardroom,” it added. 

Solar panels atop QC hall and other public buildings

Belmonte said the recognition underscored Quezon City’s efforts to combat climate change and its effects on its citizens and the environment. 

“We are extremely honored to be part of this inaugural list. This further solidifies our commitment to combating climate change and its negative impact on the environment and our QCitizens,” Belmonte said.

“It will also inspire our local government to continue discovering and implementing vital solutions that contribute to a healthier planet for current and future generations. We have to act fast and decisively on this problem,” she added. 

Forbes commended Belmonte’s decision to place Quezon City, the most populous city in the country, under climate emergency shortly after assuming office in 2019.

“That move allowed Belmonte to allocate 13 percent of the city’s budget (which has since increased) to climate initiatives to reach its stated goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050,” Forbes said. 

Forbes also praised Belmonte’s various environmental initiatives, including doubling the city’s bike path network to 217 kilometers, free electric bus service, and installation of solar panels on public buildings.

Bike path along Katipunan Avenue

In addition, Belmonte has banned plastic bags and single-use utensils, introduced a “trash-to-cashback” program, and established refilling stations for liquid detergent and other common household products.

Last year, Belmonte was also named as the 2023 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership for her strong advocacy and campaign versus plastic as well.