MANILA, Philippines — In a major recognition of institutional reform and inclusive leadership, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been conferred the Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, the highest honor given by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to outstanding government workers.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., presented the award during the Pagpupugay 2025: Parangal sa mga Lingkod Bayani ceremony at Malacañang Palace on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Quezon City: A Laboratory for Best Practices The CSC citation lauded Quezon City under Belmonte’s tenure as a “working laboratory” for progressive governance. Key pillars of her administration highlighted during the ceremony include:
- Fiscal Discipline: The city earned its fifth consecutive “unmodified opinion” from the Commission on Audit (COA) in 2025, a record-breaking streak of transparent and accurate financial reporting.
- Digital Transformation: Alongside the Mayor, City Administrator Michael Victor Alimurung received the Gawad Pag-asa for his leadership in digital innovation, which has modernized the city’s service delivery.
- Environmental Leadership: Belmonte’s sustainability agenda, including waste-to-cashback programs and plastic bans, previously earned her the UNEP Champion of the Earth title in 2023.
- Transparency: The city’s online portal now allows public scrutiny of contracts and procurement, reflecting a shift toward institutional accountability.
A Journey of Reform The award recognizes Belmonte’s journey from a challenging start in 2019 to becoming a national exemplar of local governance. She was credited with using public criticism and the challenges of the pandemic as catalysts for deep-seated institutional reforms.
Accepting the award, Mayor Belmonte dedicated the honor to her constituents: “This honor is not for me or for the city government, but for all QCitizens… It is my duty to ensure that everyone is included, everyone is welcome, and that everyone is part of progress.”
Beyond Quezon City Belmonte’s influence has extended beyond her city’s borders. She was instrumental in establishing Mayors for Good Governance, a national network of local leaders committed to integrity and transparency.
The Gawad Lingkod Bayan reaffirms that the city’s slogan, Kasama Ka Sa Pag-unlad (You are part of progress), is more than a catchphrase—it is a governance priority that has delivered concrete, sustainable results for the largest city in the Philippines.