Message from QC Mayor Joy Belmonte during the KHC Launch

The following message was delivered by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte during the launch of the Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking on August 28, 2025 at the Klaus Hoffarth Library in Miriam College, Quezon City. Permission to share her message was requested and granted by the office of the City Mayor.

Opening remarks for the Launching of Miriam College's Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking (KHC) 28 August 2025

● Ms. Grace Flores-Favila, OIC -President, Miriam College

● Dr. Ronald Mendoza, Undersecretary, Department of Education

● Dr. Victoria Bantug Hoffarth, Mr. Gerry Van der Linden and members of the KHC Advisory Council

● Members of the diplomatic corps

● Congressman Javi Benitez

● Our friends in media

● Esteemed guests Magandang araw sa ating lahat.

On behalf of the Quezon City Government, I wish to congratulate the Miriam College community and the Hoffarth family on this milestone. I am happy that you are all taking this significant step towards our shared aspiration of an engaged and responsible citizenry.

It is profoundly fitting that this center rises here in Quezon City. As the cradle of freedoms, our heritage has long been defined by acts of courage, all ignited by enlightenment: from Katipuneros tearing their cedulas as a symbol of revolt, to the millions who stood together at EDSA to reclaim democracy. Quezon City was founded on the ideal of a dignified life for every Filipino. And I believe that dignity is incomplete without the power to make well-informed decisions about life, both personal and collective.

This aspiration is even more urgent today, in the face of challenges like persisting poverty, lack of opportunities, and gaps in our education system. For instance, the Department of Education’s Bureau of Education Assessment said last year that the majority of our Grade 12 learners struggle with critical thinking, with a staggering 76 percent falling below the “Nearly Proficient” level. This trend holds true for other 21st-century skills—and it is consistent with international assessments that place us near the bottom rung in creative thinking.

These days, the most vital skill we can cultivate is how to think—the discipline of asking “why” and “what if,” especially when faced with complex situations. However, we must acknowledge that on the ground, so many of our people are immersed in the daily struggle to survive. As the system continues to fail them, poverty perpetuates while corruption thrives, creating conditions that hinder citizen engagement. After all, a mind occupied with survival cannot easily question, analyze, or dream of a better future.

As mayor, I am determined to do my part in changing this narrative, putting social justice at the heart of all that we do. Over the past six years, we have made big strides here in Quezon City, breaking away from the cycles and practices that have long made bureaucracy complacent.

We streamlined our processes, eliminating red tape and corruption. We embraced technology to democratize access to government services. We made a clear stand to put data at the heart of our policymaking, rather than giving in to political expediency. We chose evidence over empty promises and facts over favoritism, so that every peso spent was in the best interest of our people.

Here in QC, we foster freedom of thought, as we take great pride in being home to some of the premier academic institutions in the country. We also have our very own Quezon City University. But our commitment to education is most apparent in our efforts to establish an environment that is conducive to learning at the basic education level. In close coordination with our partners at DepEd, we continue to work towards better infrastructure and facilities; resources for our teachers; and support systems like our remediation and nutrition programs for students. Here in QC, we also actively encourage diverse learning experiences, which includes supporting them in competitions here and abroad, working with the private sector to introduce digital learning platforms (e.g. Khan Academy), and exposing them to key advocacies related to freedom, including equal rights, safe spaces, and inclusivity.

We are moving towards the dream of making QC a bastion of effective, compassionate, and excellent governance. The good news is, we are not alone in bearing this hope for our nation.

I am proud to stand as one of the convenors of Mayors for Good Governance. You may have heard of us recently on the news or on social media, when we released our demand for full transparency, accountability, and justice on flood control projects. As of today, over 70 mayors have already signed—and we are hoping that more will be encouraged to join us.

Our group is more than just a reaction to national issues. Our stand is part of our broader mission as champions of integrity, innovation, and people-centered service.

Our collective resolve against corruption also involves empowering local governments through a proactive movement that believes true progress starts locally. Through our example, we declare that there is a different kind of leadership, one that is open, collaborative, and evidence-based. Connected by similar concerns, despite varying circumstances, we are creating a network where best practices are shared—and a playbook for effective, replicable governance nationwide.

Through this movement, we want to earn the trust of the Filipino people, and hopefully inspire them to take a more active role in our collective life.

I am happy that the Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking shares this exact commitment to our people—focusing its efforts on encouraging our youth to become sharp thinkers and engaged citizens. This is a wonderful gift to the nation, especially when polarizing rhetoric shakes our values in a world flooded with information.

I am genuinely excited for all the good work this Center will do. Here’s to investing in raising good Filipinos. Mabuhay po tayong lahat. — END —