MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte will continue the legacy in public service of her father, former House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. as she guns for the mayoralty in the May 2019 midterm elections. When he himself was Quezon City mayor, Sonny Belmonte transformed Quezon City into the wealthiest city in the country by providing its residents with livelihood opportunities and other social services. Now Vice Mayor Belmonte is continuing her father’s legacy of service with her programs aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs through the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council, which she also heads. Vice Mayor Belmonte first showed her commitment to public service when, as a fresh college graduate, she served a poor community in Kadingilan town in Bukidnon as a volunteer teacher and champion of women’s rights. Her father, now retiring from politics, sees Joy leading Quezon City backed by her credentials and vast experience.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 16, 2019 08:48 UTC