(Photo courtesy : Quezon City Government fbpage)
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte recently held a policy dialogue with the technical team of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau to discuss the proposed Green and Resilient Cities (GRC) project, which is being put forward under the 8th cycle of the Global Environment Facility.
The proposed initiative seeks to strengthen Quezon City’s climate resilience, with particular focus on socialized housing communities occupied by Informal Settler Families (ISFs), which are among the most vulnerable to flooding, extreme heat, and other climate-related risks. City officials emphasized that the project aligns with the local government’s long-term goal of integrating climate adaptation and environmental sustainability into urban development planning.
Also present during the discussion were Andrea Villaroman, head of the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department; Mark Ramirez, program analyst of the UNDP Climate Action Program; and Melody Ann Malano, chief of the Caves, Wetland and Other Ecosystem Division of the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau. The meeting underscored the importance of ecosystem-based approaches in strengthening urban resilience, particularly in densely populated areas.
Joining the dialogue were key city officials involved in infrastructure, housing, and planning, including City Architect Red Avelino; Michael Velasco, acting assistant head of the City Parks Development and Administration Department; City Engineer Atty. Mark Dale Perral; Housing Community Development and Resettlement Department head Atty. Jojo Conejero; and City Planning Officer Dr. Jose Gomez. Their participation highlighted the city’s whole-of-government approach to addressing climate risks.
City leaders said the proposed GRC project could serve as a model for sustainable urban development by combining biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, and inclusive housing strategies. Further consultations and technical assessments are expected as Quezon City moves forward with the proposal in partnership with national agencies and international development partners.