Quezon City Marks a Year of Transformation at the State of the City Address 2024

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

On October 21, 2024, the Quezon City Government hosted a momentous State of the City Address (SOCA) at the MICE Center, Quezon City Hall Complex. 

The event, graced by the Honorable Mayor Joy Belmonte, was a testament to the city's remarkable progress and future aspirations. 

The atmosphere was electric as attendees, dressed in Modern Filipiniana and smart casual attire, gathered to witness Mayor Belmonte's address. 

The event kicked off with a warm welcome and registration at 12 PM, setting the stage for an afternoon of insightful reflections and forward-looking plans. 

The arrival of city councilors and representatives from different districts, and the Vice Mayor Gian Sotto was highly anticipated. Many would cheer for them as they seemingly marched forward wearing their choices for Filipiniana, others standing out due to their colorful attire, while a few were recognizing some people they know from the audience.

Vice Mayor Gian Sotto's reading of list of achievements of the city were great to hear and would be encouraging if non-residents were among the audience...as if urging us to move to Quezon City.

Mayor Joy Belmonte's speech was a highlight, as she eloquently detailed the city's achievements over the past year. From groundbreaking infrastructure projects to innovative social programs, Quezon City has seen significant advancements that have improved the quality of life for its residents. The Mayor's vision for the future was equally inspiring, with plans to further enhance the city's sustainability, inclusivity, and economic growth. 

I loved the way she would say "Shout-out to ____________" recognizing the heads or leads of certain projects or divisions/departments/offices of the Quezon City LGU, regardless if they were there or retired already, or even away at another country attending another task.

I also enjoyed the way she jokingly asked the audience if we needed a bathroom break due to her overwhelming list which is not just lengthy but substantial with glaring accomplishments not as visible in other cities. Quezon City, with her administration, has truly been at a resounding success, especially if compared with the status of other cities.

The SOCA 2024 was not just a celebration of past successes but also a call to action for the community. Mayor Belmonte emphasized the importance of collective effort and community engagement in achieving the city's goals. Her message resonated with the audience, who left the event feeling motivated and optimistic about the future of Quezon City. 

The State of the City Address 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing Quezon City's resilience, innovation, and commitment to progress. As the city continues to evolve, the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte and the active participation of its citizens will undoubtedly drive Quezon City towards a brighter and more prosperous future.


A Year of Achievements

Mayor Belmonte highlighted the transformative infrastructure projects that have modernized the city, from vital road expansions to the development of world-class public facilities. These projects, she emphasized, are designed not only to ease the daily lives of residents but to pave the way for the city's future growth.

In parallel, she celebrated the city’s innovative social programs that have empowered its citizens. Programs in education, healthcare, and social welfare have seen expansion and success, contributing to a higher quality of life for all sectors of the population. The mayor underscored the city’s achievements in building more inclusive, accessible services, ensuring that progress reaches even the most marginalized communities.

A Vision for the Future

Looking forward, Mayor Belmonte's speech was a blueprint for a more sustainable, inclusive, and economically robust Quezon City. The plans unveiled for 2025 and beyond are ambitious yet achievable, with a clear focus on enhancing environmental sustainability, continuing the push for smart city innovations, and driving economic empowerment through new business opportunities.

The mayor’s commitment to sustainability was at the forefront, with plans to expand green spaces, strengthen waste management systems, and boost the use of renewable energy sources. Equally important was her call for greater inclusivity, with continued efforts to promote equal opportunities, support small businesses, and uplift communities most affected by poverty.

A Call for Unity

What set this SOCA apart from previous years was Mayor Belmonte's passionate call to action. She emphasized that these lofty goals could only be realized through collective effort—inviting every citizen to participate in building a city that serves all its people. “Our progress is your progress,” she remarked, galvanizing the audience with her message of shared responsibility and collaboration.

The message resonated deeply with the crowd, leaving them with a sense of pride in what had been accomplished and renewed hope for what is to come. Many attendees left the event energized, inspired to contribute to Quezon City’s future.

A Bright Path Ahead

In closing, the State of the City Address 2024 was more than just an annual report—it was a celebration of Quezon City's resilience, innovation, and forward momentum. The leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte has positioned the city as a model for progress and inclusivity, while her unwavering commitment to the people of Quezon City ensures that the city's best days are still ahead.

With the continued support and active involvement of its citizens, Quezon City is poised to become a beacon of modern urban development in the Philippines—a city that not only dreams but delivers.

‘Going green’: MSMEs commit to go plastic-free, ties up with Greenpeace and DTI-NCR

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) may seem miniscule, but a growing number of them are determined to show larger companies that greening the manufacturing and retail sector should be everyone's business.

In an event titled "Reduce, Reuse, Refill: 3Rs to End Plastic Pollution," environmental advocates, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and progressive business groups enjoined other MSMEs to reduce their production and consumption of single-use plastics (SUPs) and adopt more sustainable practices. Said initiative aims to build the capacity of MSMEs to lead the shift toward environmentally responsible business operations.

This brought MSMEs to the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) for a field immersion and discussion on Tuesday. The LPPWP, which is home to over 41 migratory bird species and the threatened and endemic Philippine duck,[1] faces severe threats from plastic pollution. The activity sought to raise awareness among local businesses about the destructive impact of SUPs on ecosystems and communities.

"Small businesses are doing their part in decreasing reliance on single-use plastics, and are proving that it is possible,” said Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines. “There’s no excuse for major corporations not to follow suit.”

MSMEs comprise 99.59% of all business establishments in the Philippines.[2] According to Ledesma, the potential behind their considerable numbers play a pivotal role in sparking changes in the industry. “This includes transitioning prevailing business models away from SUPs and influencing consumers in their respective communities,” she continued.

Participants in the event included fisherfolk, community members, and waste workers who shared firsthand experiences of how plastic pollution affects food security, environment and livelihood. Over 164 million plastic sachets and 57 million shopping bags are discarded every day[3] in the Philippines and much of which are not recycled.[4] Instead, they end up in landfills or waterways, contributing to pollution and the climate crisis.

“Sinisira [ng mga plastic] ang aming mga gamit pangingisda at itinataboy ang mga isda sa malayo. Dagdag perwisyo sa panggastos sa gasolina. Natatabunan at pinapatay [nito] ang mga bahay itlugan, bahura, bakawanan, at mga halamang dagat,” shared PANGISDA Pilipinas Chair Pablo “Ka Pabs” Rosales.

“Nanawagan kami sa ating makakalikasang mga negosyante, na pangunahan ang pag-iwas sa… single-use plastic na siyang pinakamarami sa karagatan at kalat sa kapaligiran. Suportahan ang pagsisikap ng mangingisda na linisin ang baybayin at karagatan para sa pagpapanumbalik ng kasaganaan at luntiang kapaligiran.”

Upstream solutions such as reduction, reuse and refill are aligned with the DTI's Green Economic Development program. These approaches aim to enhance MSME competitiveness by helping businesses adopt climate-smart, environmental-friendly, and inclusive strategies.

"Sustainability is our only option for a better tomorrow; it is a crucial aspect of business resilience and long-term success," said DTI-National Capital Region OIC-Regional Director Winston T. Singun. "There are no businesses to speak of in an inhospitable future, plagued with various environmental crises. MSMEs have the power to make a positive impact not only in our economy, but also our planet."

Following the nature walk were sustainability discussions in Talyer 15 at the Henry Hotel Compound for discussions led by business owners championing sustainable plastic reduction efforts. The session featured entrepreneurs and communities who have successfully employed viable, practical, and innovative alternatives to plastic use, paving the way for a just zero waste transition.

Leading the charge in the “Greening Your Business” discussions are speakers from Back to Basics Ecostore, Newport World Resorts, San Juan Resort Restaurant and Hotel Association (La Union) and Rizza Lana Sebastian. The panelists shared their expertise on how to "green" the supply chain, how to reduce plastics in tourism, and how to practice sustainable communications. Reuse and refill solutions such as those applied by Kuha sa Tingi[5] (Greenpeace Philippines), JuanaZero[6] (Mother Earth Foundation), Sabon Express, and Good Food Community were also tackled to mitigate the crisis.

Greenpeace Philippines is optimistic that more MSMEs take part in interventions that address plastic pollution at the source. A number of attendees have expressed their willingness to break free from plastic and be a part of community-driven solutions that help create a zero-waste system.

The field immersion and sustainability discussion is an initiative under Champions of Change, a growing global collective of forward-thinking businesses committed to transitioning towards a plastic-free future.

Notes to editors:

[1] LPPWP as 6th Ramsar Site in the Philippines

[2] 2022 Philippine MSME Statistics in Brief

[3] Sachet Economy: Big Problems in Small Packets

[4] Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made

[5] REUSE AND REFILL for a Plastic-Free Future

[6] JUANAZERO: A Zero Waste store of Mother Earth Foundation

Please credit the photos to: Jilson Tiu / Greenpeace

Here’s what the Champions of Change have to say:

“With plastic pollution, there's the obvious issue that it can harm certain marine animals, especially turtles. There have been a lot of studies showing that plastics, especially when they break down into microplastics, can actually threaten coral populations. I think that's why it's really important for us to fight against plastic pollution because they affect the entire marine ecosystem.” — Denise Sze, Marketing Executive of Magwai

"From the mountains of plastic in our cities to the microplastics that are now everywhere, we are causing serious health consequences from chemicals that leach into our waterways. Committing to a plastic-free future is a really important thing. We just need to make that decision on what kind of infrastructure and what kind of culture we need to support this commitment. These are really exciting ways of working with the community so that we can make this happen." — Charlene Tan, Founder & CEO of Good Food Community

"Lagi lang po natin isipin na isa lang naman talaga ang mundo. Hindi tayo pwede magkaroon ng satellite earth or another earth. And ‘yung mga plastic na basura na itinatapon natin in this lifetime, it would take 400 to 500 years to decompose. So, siguro po yung isapuso lang po natin at isaisip yung katotohanan na yan. Siguro ‘yun po ‘yung magda-drive sa ating lahat [para ilaban ang pagbabago]." — Mellany Zambrano, Founder & CEO of Sabon Express

"So with this Global [Plastics] Treaty, what is more exciting about it is the fact that it's looking at the end-to-end supply chain for plastic. It's not just looking at waste management... It's looking at the producers... They're looking not just to penalize the end, but reduce the demand. From the treaty, I want to see more responsibility going back on those companies that are producing plastic bottles." — Rob Boreham, Managing Director of Hospitality Innovations by Quorate Inc.

About Greenpeace Philippines

Greenpeace is a community united by a mission to protect the planet and ensure a green, peaceful future. They’ve led the fight against environmental destruction, advocating for the planet’s rights as part of a global movement that challenges power with courage.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

The Evolution of Media: Key Innovations Driving Media Evolution Forward

As technology continues to advance and new ideas come to life the way we interact with the evolution of media is constantly evolving. Recent breakthroughs are transforming how we create distribute and interact with content. Staying updated on these shifts is essential, for navigating the ever-changing media landscape.

AI and Machine Learning

How we create and share content is evolving with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies assist us in sorting through data, identifying trends, making recommendations, and even producing written material. News outlets are utilizing AI to enhance their coverage of news and sports events. Additionally, platforms such as Netflix use algorithms to recommend movies and shows based on viewers' preferences. This captivates audiences and customizes content to align with individual tastes.

Blockchain Technology

The media industry is starting to embrace technology to enhance security and transparency. With growing concerns about copyright issues and the reliability of content blockchain technology offers a solution to verify ownership and trace the origins of materials through its decentralized ledger system. This innovation protects rights and ensures that creators are fairly compensated for their work. A notable example is Audius which utilizes blockchain to allow artists to directly benefit from their creations while maintaining control over their content. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are transforming how we engage with media by providing experiences that go beyond traditional formats. VR immerses users in environments enabling them to view content from different perspectives. This technology finds applications in gaming, education and even news reporting making interactions more captivating. On the hand AR enhances world settings improving how people interact with their surroundings. The combination of VR and AR opens up possibilities for storytelling and audience involvement.

5G Technology

The way we consume media is set to change with advancements in technology and internet connectivity. The speed and low latency of 5G technology will enhance video streaming real time gaming and interactive experiences making them more enjoyable on the go without sacrificing quality. As 5G networks expand globally new opportunities will emerge for applications and user satisfaction will increase significantly. In the media landscape social media platforms play a role in sharing content and engaging with audiences. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have not transformed how content is shared but have also facilitated influencer marketing. With their large followings influencers offer brands a chance to connect directly with their target audiences in a meaningful way. This shift has revolutionized advertising strategies and opened up possibilities for creators and businesses alike.

Interactive and On-Demand Content

The increasing demand for content is transforming how media companies produce and share their creations. Services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime and Disney+ give viewers the freedom to enjoy films and series at their convenience without being tied to traditional broadcast schedules. Additionally features like on demand videos and live streams allow audiences to interact more actively with their entertainment preferences. These advancements signify a move, towards tailored and flexible approaches to consuming media.

Data-Driven Insights and Analytics

Media companies depend on studies and evaluations to understand the likes and habits of their audience. By examining data they can spot patterns in viewership for different shows evaluate how well their content performs and gain insights about the characteristics of their viewers. With this knowledge they can improve how they create share and distribute content. For example by identifying genres that strike a chord with audiences these firms can adjust their programming schedules to boost audience involvement.

Conclusion

Advancements and fresh concepts are transforming the way we consume and engage with media. Technologies like intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G are revolutionizing the media scene and changing our interactions with content. Staying updated on these shifts is crucial, for navigating this constantly changing environment. By adopting these trends both people in the industry and audiences can discover ways to stay ahead of the curve.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES