Mayor Joy recognized for QC's services for women, LGBT+, PWD
By Hannah Nicol
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was honored with "Gawad Tanggol Karapatan" Award by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday, Dec. 10, for her inclusive programs benefiting women, youth, the rainbow community, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities in Quezon City.

The Public Information Office (PIO) said the CHR award ceremony is part of the Human Rights Award which recognizes government officials or employees promoting programs and projects to protect human rights.
The CHR recognized the city mayor as a human rights advocate, supporting initiatives like safeguarding women and youth, promoting gender fairness in QC, and empowering economically vulnerable sectors.
QCitizens benefit from various programs, including the QC Protection Center, Bahay Kanlungan, Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), Right to Care Card, No Women Left Behind, and the QC Social Hygiene and Sundown Clinics.
Councilor Wency Lagumbay, chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights, received the award on behalf of Mayor Joy during the culmination night of the 2023 National Human Rights Consciousness Week, organized by the CHR.


The city local government also stated that Dingalan, Aurora Mayor Shierwin Taay, and Baguio City Councilor Arthur Allad-Iw received a Gawad Bantay Karapatan award, while Tuguegarao City Councilor Mary Martin-Chan received the Gawad Sulong Karapatan award.
CHR chair Atty. Richard Palpal-Latoc, Senior Human Rights Advisor Signe Poulsen from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, CHR Commissioners Beda Epres and Monina Zenarosa also graced the event.