In fulfillment of its commitment to deliver clean air to its almost three million citizens and also referring to the Clean Air Cities Declaration that Mayor Joy Belmonte signed during last year’s C40 World Mayors Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, Quezon City has joined the BreatheLife campaign, an endeavor that aims to reduce air pollution by 2030.

Being the only mayor from the Philippines to join the summit, Mayor Joy stresses that the action further underscores the city’s full dedication to reduce air pollution that would help lead to a healthier citizenry.

As the leader of the biggest city in the country in terms of population, Belmonte acknowledged the daunting task ahead, but she is confident to meet the required targets. Aside from Belmonte, 30 leaders of various cities around the world signed the declaration, which considers clean air as a human right.

The signatories promised to work together to meet the WHO World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines by 2030 by using all powers at their disposal to address air pollution.

The leaders also promised to call on those responsible behind the sources of air pollution to join their cause for a healthier environment.

The declaration also requires signatories to establish baseline levels and set ambitious reduction targets for air pollutant that meet or exceed national commitments within two years.

Through its participation and membership to the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group as the only Philippine City member, Quezon City is able to implement various proactive action to improve its overall climate resilience.

The city’s partnership with the TAME-BC project and the Air Quality Technical Assistance Programme from C40 Cities will help establish the roadmap for its air quality monitoring network and develop its Air Quality Management Plan.

The Quezon City Government will also undertake other actions such as promoting clean energy use and energy efficient strategies through the solarization of its city-owned and operated facilities. It also plans to engage stakeholders in crafting the Air Quality Management Plan as part of its commitment to the Breathelife Campaign.