In a spirited address during the Quezon City Employees’ Day celebration, Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte lauded the city’s over 19,000-strong workforce as the backbone of the local government’s success, while issuing a stern warning against corruption and affirming the city’s role as a benchmark for good governance in the Philippines.
The event, held as a highlight of the city’s 86th Founding Anniversary, was moved to a Monday to allow employees a genuine day of celebration and rest.
Investing in the Workforce: A Culture of Merit and Growth
Mayor Belmonte opened her speech with heartfelt gratitude, calling city employees “the unsung heroes” who quietly serve and sacrifice for the city’s progress. She highlighted the significant transformation in the city’s organizational culture, moving away from the old system of patronage.
“Investing in our workforce is investing in better public service,” Belmonte stated, underscoring her administration’s commitment to a merit-based system through the Personnel Selection Board (PSB). She revealed that since the start of her term, the city has regularized 3,145 employees and promoted 2,015 employees based solely on performance and qualifications, not “palakasan” (favoritism).
The Mayor also showcased the city’s robust learning and development programs, including leadership, digital transformation, and ethics training, all offered for free to employees. She expressed pride that the QC government is now a “first choice” for top graduates, including valedictorians from prestigious universities, a stark contrast to the past when government service was often a last resort.
A Model LGU: Extending Help Beyond Borders
Belmonte proudly announced that Quezon City has become a model for other Local Government Units (LGUs), with “almost everyday” visits for benchmarking. She emphasized that positive change can be achieved at the local level, with QC’s practices being adopted nationwide.
Furthermore, she commended city teams that have been deployed to assist other provinces in times of crisis, including engineers and doctors sent to Cebu and Davao during recent earthquakes. She also mentioned a team currently in Naga City, assisting with its digitalization program at no cost to the host city, “in the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity.”
Firm Warning Against Corruption
Amid the celebrations, the Mayor delivered a firm and unambiguous message against corruption. Identifying herself as a “good governance advocate,” she promised to prosecute any employee caught engaging in corruption, such as acting as a “fixer” or soliciting bribes.
“If you are caught, strike one pa lang… you will be charged, I promise,” she declared. “There is no place for corruption in Quezon City.” She instructed the legal team to apply the “full force of the law” against offenders, reminding employees that the hard-earned trust and awards garnered by the city should not be tarnished by a few.
Addressing Health Workers’ Concerns with a Plea for Respect
In a candid segment of her speech, Mayor Belmonte directly addressed the grievances of the City Health Department regarding their delayed Health Emergency Allowances (HEA). She expressed hurt and disappointment at the “hurtful words and curses” she had received from some health workers over the issue.
She clarified that the HEA is an allowance mandated and disbursed by the Department of Health (DOH), not the City Government. Despite her personal desire for the city to shoulder the payment to resolve the delay, she explained that the DOH did not grant permission and insisted it remains their accountability.
Belmonte assured health workers that her administration has been relentlessly following up with the DOH, which has now committed to releasing the allowances within the month. She concluded the matter with a plea: “A little respect for your Mayor… Let’s stop saying painful words to each other. We care for you.”
Celebration and Looking Forward
The speech concluded on a festive note, with the Mayor encouraging everyone to enjoy the Employees’ Day activities, including the highly anticipated dance and hula-hoop competitions.
As the city marks 86 years, Mayor Belmonte called on every employee to be reminded that “the true measure of our success lies in the lives we improve.” She expressed confidence that by working together, choosing what is right, and rejecting what is wrong, they can continue to build a resilient, prosperous, and caring Quezon City.#
