Quezon City residents undertaking advanced studies in science and technology, culture and arts, policy and social research and other fields of learning that would contribute to the holistic and sustainable progress of the city may receive a grant from the city government.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has approved the enactment of City Ordinance 3174 establishing a research grant named after her late mother, journalist Betty Go Belmonte. The measure was  introduced by Councilor Aly Medalla.

QCitizens undertaking undergraduate, postgraduate degree studies, including professors with approved research, thesis or dissertation proposals related to issues and concerns of the city and its people may avail of the grant.

Those accepted to become Fellows of the Betty Go Belmonte Research Grant will be entitled to the following:

• Maximum cash grant of P100,000.00;

• Access to all units and/or departments of the city government as well as its officials and personnel, including the barangays, with prior permission from the city government;

• Maximum of P20,000.00 allowance for books and instructional materials needed for the research;

• Maximum of P20,000.00 allowance for health, insurance and transportation;

• Maximum of P20,000.00 allowance for printing and reproduction of the research paper; and

• Support in public forum presentation arrangements.

“The passage of this measure ensures that QCitizens undertaking meaningful studies for the good of the city are given ample support. Our family is honored for the recognition given by the city council to our mother who dedicated her life to the pursuit of truth, integrity and fairness in journalism,” Belmonte said.

The Betty Go Belmonte Research Grant will get an initial funding of P1 million on its first year.

A secretariat headed by an executive officer to be appointed by the city mayor will manage the program.

The secretariat will be composed of representatives from the Office of the City Administrator, City Planning and Development Department, Youth Development Office, Quezon City University, the chairperson of the City Council Committee on Education, Science and Technology, and faculty representatives from Quezon City-based higher education institutions.

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