In 2024, Quezon City achieved a remarkable milestone: receiving over a hundred prestigious awards from both local and international organizations. These accolades highlight the city’s commitment to good governance, innovation, and excellence in public service. The awards celebrate achievements across healthcare, environmental sustainability, education, disaster management, and more.

“We have proven that it can be done, with a balance of principled, grounded, compassionate, and evidence-based governance. Proof of this is the more than 400-plus awards and recognitions we have received since 2019

— tangible evidence of QC’s leadership in various facets,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.

These recognitions affirm the leadership of the Mayor, whose inclusive and sustainable vision has guided Quezon City toward progress. “These awards are not just symbols of success but also catalysts for continuous improvement,” said Mayor Belmonte. “They show that Quezon City can adapt, innovate, and lead by example, ensuring a vibrant and resilient community for all.”

One major highlight is Quezon City’s ISO certification, proof that the city’s delivery of services are in line with international standards.

Here are some of the major awards received by the city and its administration during the last quarter of 2024:

For Local Governance

QC earned the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This recognition is the highest distinction for LGUs, honoring exemplary practices in areas such as financial sustainability, disaster preparedness, health, education, and youth empowerment.

For Early Childhood Care

The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council recognized QC for its high-quality early childhood development programs. Initiatives like enhancing reading and social skills for children aged 3–4 and ensuring adequate facilities in communities underscore QC’s commitment to young learners.

For Urban Poor Advocacy

The Natatanging Lingkod Maralita Award from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) lauded QC’s inclusive programs for urban poor communities.

For Outstanding Service

Mayor Joy Belmonte was a National Semi-Finalist and Regional Awardee for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Other CSC honorees include BPLD head Margie Mejia and QCU President Dr. Theresita V. Atienza. QC was the only Metro Manila LGU to win three awards in this category.

For Best Practices

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) awarded QC’s Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities the 2024 Government Best Practice Recognition (GBPR). Other recognized initiatives include the QC Human Milk Bank and the Automated Document Delivery System of the BPLD.

For Active Mobility

The city received the Most Outstanding Local Active Transport Program Award from the Department of Transportation during National Bike Day 2024.

For Out-of-School Youth

USAID honored QC’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) for innovative programs assisting out-of-school youth with disabilities, such as pre-employment training and welfare support under the Kasama Ka Sa Kyusi initiative.

For Youth Programs

QC earned eight awards at the USAID Opportunity 2.0 Youth & Partners Summit 2024, including the Most Outstanding Program for Youth Entrepreneurship and recognition for positive youth development initiatives.

For Innovation

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) awarded Mayor Belmonte the Innovative Changemaker Award for QC’s commitment to science and technology. The city also won the GRIND Award and ranked second in the CEST Awards for community empowerment and urban farming.

For Urban Governance

At the 2024 Urban Governance Exemplar Awards organized by DILG-NCR, QC excelled in anti-drug initiatives, child protection, peace and order, and environmental compliance.

For Digital Democracy

The Digital Democracy Champion Award from the Makati Business Club celebrated QC’s use of digital tools to enhance public services and civic engagement.

For Livelihood Programs

QC’s short film Kalinga, which showcased a beneficiary’s success under the Sustainable Livelihood Program, won multiple awards at the 2024 SustainEnabler Awards, including Best Short Film and People’s Choice Award.