Quezon city: Mayor Joy Belmonte vowed to deliver bigger reforms, including a flood-free and more inclusive city, as she took her oath of office on Monday, marking the start of her third and final term as the city's chief executive.
According to Philippines News Agency, in her inaugural speech, Belmonte recalled the past achievements of the city in her last two terms, as she laid out an ambitious roadmap aimed at making the city not only more progressive but also more inclusive, resilient, and prepared for future challenges.
Belmonte emphasized addressing the city's flooding issues as part of the broader climate crisis action plan. She stated that flood control projects, including slope protection, detention basins, and water drainage systems, will be prioritized across districts to enhance the city's resilience against calamities. This initiative will rely on the collective commitment of all district representatives to achieve a flood-free Quezon City.
Further, Belmonte plans to register all residents to PhilHealth Konsulta to alleviate financial burdens on primary care services and expand the city's health network with a new hospital in District 6 and additional facilities under the Quezon City General Hospital.
She also committed to expanding social welfare services for vulnerable sectors, strengthening livelihood programs, and maintaining Quezon City's reputation as the most business-friendly city in the country, emphasizing that more businesses mean more job opportunities for residents.
During her last term, Belmonte aims to double the number of local scholars, modernize infrastructure with more public parks and improved open spaces, and enhance barangay health centers and daycare facilities. Additionally, the city will continue to expand the QCity Bus Service with a shift to electric buses for a greener transport system, while also boosting police mobility and modernizing peace and order equipment.
Investments will also focus on enriching Quezon City's culture and tourism sector. Belmonte reiterated her commitment to transforming the city government into a service-oriented workforce that treats every resident with empathy and respect, building on her efforts to regain public trust through open, honest, and humane governance.
She reflected on the mandate given by the citizens of Quezon City, expressing confidence that the path taken is right and that residents are already experiencing the positive changes implemented.
