(Photo courtesy of QC government Facebook)
QUEZON CITY – The Quezon City government honored outstanding environmental and disaster resilience initiatives during the 2026 QC Green Awards on Thursday, recognizing the contributions of barangays, schools, businesses, and community organizations toward building a safer and more sustainable city.
Among the recognized projects were earthquake risk assessments for buildings, food recovery programs for disadvantaged families, sustainable energy initiatives, and livelihood projects promoting the reuse of indigenous textiles.
Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing climate change, environmental challenges, and disaster risks.
“Let us continue to operate on hope —not as a passive wish, but as our strongest weapon. A cooler, greener, and safer Quezon City is not just a dream; it is already being built by the people in this room,” Belmonte said.
She encouraged residents and organizations to strengthen cooperation in pursuing inclusive and sustainable development.
“Kapag nagtutulungan tayo, walang krisis ang hindi natin kayang harapin. We are ‘One City Rising’. Sama-sama, tulong-tulong, tungo sa pangarap na kasama ang lahat sa pag-unlad,” she added.
The city received 123 entries for this year’s awards, with 82 advancing to the semifinals and 50 qualifying for the final round.
Under the Resilient Category, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Inc. – Quezon City Chapter was recognized for its Pre-Earthquake Assessment Project, which uses rapid visual screening to identify potential structural vulnerabilities in existing buildings.
Business process outsourcing company iFIVE Inc. was also honored for its Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response Management Program, which integrates workplace safety policies, employee training, and emergency preparedness measures.
In the Green Category, MABU Philippines Inc. received recognition for developing a marketplace for surplus food and a donation-tracking system.
FOOD Reskyu of Barangay Pasong Putik was cited for collecting safe, excess food from establishments and redistributing it to families in need, helping reduce food waste while addressing food insecurity.
Avida Towers Cloverleaf Condominium Corporation and One Vertis Plaza Condominium Corporation were recognized for sustainable building initiatives supporting the transition toward cleaner and renewable energy.
Meanwhile, HeritageFinds Clothing Shop earned recognition for its community-based sewing program that provides skills training and livelihood opportunities using Philippine tropical fabrics and indigenous weaves.
The initiative promotes textile reuse while helping local workers produce clothing, corporate gifts, and customized uniforms.
Other awardees in the Resilient Category included Barangay Novaliches Proper, SK Sauyo, and Barangay Bagong Pag-asa for disaster prevention and mitigation programs.
Camp Crame Elementary School, Barangays Commonwealth and Sauyo, and the UP Resilience Institute–Institution Building Division were recognized for disaster preparedness initiatives.
Barangays Bagong Silangan, San Bartolome, Kaligayahan, and Bagumbuhay, along with R & D LPG Trading, received recognition for disaster response programs.
In the Green Category, Barangay Pasong Putik Proper, Barangay Batasan Hills, and Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Senior High School were honored for food security initiatives.
Barangays Phil-Am, Payatas, and West Triangle, together with Quirino Memorial Medical Center and Commonwealth High School, were recognized for green building programs.
For plastic waste management, awards went to Pura V. Kalaw Elementary School, Barangay Kaunlaran, and the Barangay Kaunlaran Children’s Association.
St. Luke’s Medical Center, Project Payatas PH, Placido del Mundo Elementary School, and the Persons with Disabilities in Barangay UP Campus Association Inc. were also recognized for their textile circularity initiatives.
Launched in 2023, the QC Green Awards is the country’s first local government-led recognition program dedicated to disaster resilience and environmental sustainability.
Semifinalists underwent coaching sessions with disaster risk reduction and climate action experts, while finalists received technical guidance, proposal development support, and opportunities to establish partnerships with the city government.
Winning projects received grants of up to Php 300,000 to support their proposed innovations, with opportunities for integration into Quezon City’s environmental protection and disaster resilience programs.
Belmonte praised the awardees for demonstrating how community-driven solutions can help address pressing environmental and social challenges.
“In each of these initiatives, we see hope. We see Quezon citizens who refuse to surrender to cynicism. We hear a resounding declaration that the future is still ours to shape,” she said.
The mayor reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen disaster preparedness, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life of Quezon City residents.
