Belmonte in US for State Department’s leadership program

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been selected as one of the participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the US Department of State.

Belmonte was among the eight local government officials from around the world who were invited to join the program, which is taking place in Washington from July 11 to 21.

According to the US State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, the IVLP enables foreign leaders to meet and cultivate relations with their American counterparts.

This year’s delegates are expected to engage on various issues, including strengthening democracy, advancing respect for human rights and fighting global corruption.

The delegates will also have a chance to share ideas with peers, organizations and technical specialists in US cities as well as raise the public profile of democratic innovation at home and abroad.

“It is an honor to be selected as one of the delegates to this prestigious exchange program. I consider this as recognition of the outstanding work that the city government has done to advance the welfare of QCitizens,” Belmonte said.

“The learnings that we will gain from this event would certainly be put to good use. We will utilize them for the betterment of Quezon City and our constituents,” she added.