UNEP names Belmonte Champion of the Earth

QUEZON City Mayor Maria Josefina «Joy» Belmonte has been named by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as one of its 2023 Champions of the Earth for her leadership and effective climate actions to eliminate plastic pollution.

The Manila Times received information that the QC mayor is the first elected Filipino government official to receive the UN's highest environmental award.

Past Filipino awardees were former Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary Elisea «Bebet» Gillera Gozun in 2007, human rights activist and environmentalist Joan Carling in 2018, and environmentalist Louise Mabulo in 2019.

UNEP formally announced Belmonte and other individuals and institutions as laureates of the award on its official website.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said in a statement that Belmonte has been named the 2023 Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership, one of the UN's highest environmental honors, for her efforts in transforming Quezon City into an environmental trailblazer.

«Mayor Josefina Belmonte's passionate leadership and policy achievements exemplify how local authorities can solve global environmental problems. Cities can be the dynamic engines of change we need to overcome the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste — and mayors can help to lead that charge,» Andersen said.

Belmonte said that the award will serve as an inspiration to develop more sustainable initiatives for the benefit of every QCitizen.

«The people, especially the marginalized, are the city's top priority in crafting just and effective climate action. I am very thankful to the UNEP for recognizing our programs,» Belmonte said.

UNEP's Policy Leadership category recognizes individuals and organizations in the government that lead their country in pioneering action for the environment.

The Quezon City government has implemented various policies to reduce communities' use of plastic, stopping it from clogging sewers and riverways.

Also, the city government passed ordinances that prohibit the use of single-use plastic bags and disposable cutleries, straws, and cups in restaurants for dine-in customers and