Quezon City Launches Betty Go-Belmonte Research Grants to Foster Sustainable Development

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday opened the application for the first batch of fellows under the Betty Go-Belmonte Research Grants Program, which aims to support work that can contribute to the city’s holistic and sustainable development. Named after The Philippine STAR founding chairman Billie Mary “Betty” Go-Belmonte, the program seeks to support students and academics to produce evidence-based studies, practical recommendations and research outputs that can help address community needs and guide public policy. “In Quezon City, we value research because it helps us better understand the challenges confronting our communities and identify solutions that are grounded in evidence,” Mayor Joy Belmonte, daughter of the late journalist, said. “Through the Betty Go-Belmonte Research Grants Program, we hope to encourage more students, scholars and academic professionals to undertake meaningful research that can inform policies, improve public services and contribute to a better quality of life for our citizens,” the mayor added. Officially launched in time with the 40th anniversary of The Philippine STAR yesterday, the program was established through a city ordinance approved in 2023. It is open to Filipino undergraduate and postgraduate students who are residents of Quezon City or enrolled in a higher education institution in the city. Filipino academic professionals who are teaching or serving as faculty members of a Quezon City-based higher education institution may also apply. Applications may be submitted individually or as a team, provided that the principal proponent or designated project leader meets the eligibility requirements. Research proposals must directly and clearly contribute to Quezon City’s development or align with the local government’s 14-point agenda. It should produce actionable insights, recommendations or research outputs that may be applied in Quezon City. “Priority will be given to studies that examine underlying conditions and root causes or support the implementation and improvement of key city initiatives in the areas of human and social services, economic development, environment and climate change, infrastructure and institutional development,” city hall said. Selected fellows may receive a research grant of up to P100,000 and may also qualify for additional assistance of up to P20,000 for each eligible support category, such as books and research materials, transportation expenses and the printing and reproduction of research papers. Fellows may also be given access to relevant city government offices, officials, personnel and barangays for research purposes. They may also receive assistance in presenting completed studies in public forums. “We invite QCitizens and members of our academic community to take part in this opportunity. Your research can help us understand our city more deeply, strengthen the programs we deliver and develop solutions that may benefit not only Quezon City but communities throughout the country,” Belmonte said. Interested applicants may submit their requirements through the module on the QC e-Services Portal at https://qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph until Aug. 31.