Quezon City Hall. (PNA file photo)
MANILA – The Quezon City government launched on Thursday an initiative that will address the climate change crisis through a transformational action plan.
On Thursday, Mayor Joy Belmonte led the launching of the Climate Action Implementation (CAI) program, in collaboration with the C40 Cities, a global network of mayors taking urgent action to confront the climate crisis funded by the United Kingdom government. She said the action plan is based on the city’s Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP).
Belmonte said that as they aspire to be the leading city in advancing inclusive, ambitious, and evidence-based climate actions in the country to provide a livable and quality community for all, the CAI would help expedite the city government’s initiatives.
She said the city government’s approved and adopted Enhanced LCCAP from 2021 to 2050 sets out a strategic framework and roadmap to further build climate resilience, advance green economic development, and re-engineer a livable and sustainable community.
“The Enhanced LCCAP is Quezon City’s stronger and greener response to the twin threats of climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic. We know what we want, and we know how to get there. In the process of pursuing these goals, it is paramount that we are able to deliver the fruits of our labor to all our constituents – regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic class,” Belmonte said in her message during the launch.
She said the city’s capacity building program will focus on policies and actions that will enhance energy efficiency, amend the green building code, and expand the adoption of renewable energy in government-owned, commercial, and residential buildings.
Through this, Belmonte hopes that QC becomes carbon neutral by 2050 and secure a greener future for its 3.1 million residents.
Since 2015, QC has been an active member of the C40 Cities, working with the world's leading cities that are committed to confronting climate change and promoting climate justice.
The city is also among the 14 cities across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America that received technical assistance and capacity building from C40 through the funding of the UK Government. (PNA)
