QC experiments on ‘15-minute city’ concept

By Rio N. Araja

QUEZON City becomes the first local government unit to explore an innovative 15-minute city concept in building a livable, green, and sustainable community for Qcitizens.

“When we went to Paris (France) for the Plastic Treaty Forum, we were amazed by their 15-minute city sites as all the basic services for the people are within their reach. We want to replicate this setup here in Quezon City to make urban development people-centered and to further improve the quality of life of every QCitizen,» Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

The 15-minute city introduced by Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno is an urban model that ensures all essential services, such as healthcare, job opportunities, parks and open spaces, and education, are accessible to residents within a short walk or bike ride from their houses, Belmonte said.

It decentralizes the traditional city life services and brings them down to communities, thus boosting the local economy, cutting down car emissions, promoting urban biodiversity and inclusivity, and providing people with easy access to healthy food options and quality green spaces, she added.