As extreme heat reaches dangerous levels across the country, the Quezon City Government is stepping up—hosting the first-ever Urban Heat and Drought Summit in the Philippines to drive urgent, inclusive climate action.
With heat indices in Quezon City soaring to 46°C in 2024 and 2025, the threat is no longer theoretical. It is already disrupting classrooms, straining public health systems, and putting the most vulnerable—children, senior citizens, outdoor workers, and low-income communities—at serious risk.
The summit marks a decisive move to confront this growing crisis head-on.
Bringing together leaders from CityNet member cities, national and local governments, technical experts, civil society, and the private sector, the summit serves as a platform to align strategies, scale up solutions, and accelerate action where it is needed most.
At its core, the gathering focuses on three urgent priorities:
• Understanding the risks of extreme heat and drought in rapidly urbanizing environments
• Advancing climate-responsive and inclusive cooling solutions
• Turning knowledge into action through evidence-based policies and programs
“Extreme heat is no longer a future threat—it is a present danger with real social, economic, and environmental consequences. In Quezon City, we are seeing its impact most sharply among our most vulnerable. That is why we are acting now—working with partners across sectors to ensure that our solutions are not only effective, but inclusive and sustainable.”
More than a forum for discussion, the summit is designed to deliver results—documenting best practices, sharing city-level innovations, and building a roadmap for coordinated, citywide action.
As climate challenges intensify, Quezon City is positioning itself at the forefront of urban resilience—transforming urgency into action, and collaboration into concrete solutions that protect every QCitizen.
Quezon City
Quezon City was founded in 1939 and served as the capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976. Today, it is the most populous city in the Philippines and a major hub for government, education, and commerce, home to landmarks like the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Urban Heat and Drought Summit
The Urban Heat and Drought Summit is a conference or forum focused on addressing climate challenges in cities. These summits bring together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss strategies for mitigating extreme heat and water scarcity in urban environments. Their history is tied to the growing global recognition of cities’ vulnerability to climate change and the need for collaborative resilience planning.
Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia. Today, it is known for its vibrant festivals, diverse indigenous traditions, and historic sites like the Baroque churches and the ancient rice terraces of Banaue. Its cultural identity is a unique blend of its Malay roots and colonial heritage.
CityNet
CityNet is a major international association of cities and urban stakeholders focused on promoting sustainable urban development. It was founded in 1987 to facilitate city-to-city cooperation, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Today, it serves as a global network for knowledge sharing and capacity building among its member cities and organizations.
Quezon City Government
Quezon City Government refers to the administrative body governing Quezon City.</
Quezon City
Quezon City was founded in 1939 and served as the capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976, named after the country’s second president, Manuel L. Quezon. Today, it is the Philippines’ most populous city and a major hub for government, education, and commerce, home to landmarks like the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia with a rich history shaped by centuries of Spanish colonization (1565-1898) and subsequent American rule, before gaining full independence in 1946. Its culture is a vibrant fusion of indigenous Malay traditions with significant Hispanic, American, and Asian influences, evident in its festivals, cuisine, and historic landmarks like the Baroque churches and the ancient rice terraces of the Cordilleras.
Quezon Memorial Circle
The Quezon Memorial Circle is a national park and landmark in Quezon City, Philippines, built to honor the country’s second president, Manuel L. Quezon. Its centerpiece is a 66-meter tall triple pylon, representing the three main island groups of the Philippines, which also houses a museum and the mausoleum of the former president. The park was developed on the grounds originally intended to be the national capital during Quezon’s administration.
Baroque churches
The Baroque churches, most famously those in the Philippines built during the Spanish colonial period (16th-18th centuries), are characterized by their ornate facades, grand interiors, and robust earthquake-resistant architecture. They were constructed by Spanish friars and local artisans to spread Christianity, blending European Baroque designs with indigenous materials and motifs. These churches, such as the San Agustin Church in Manila, are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their historical and cultural significance.
Banaue rice terraces
The Banaue Rice Terraces are ancient, hand-carved terraces in the mountainous Ifugao region of the Philippines, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” They are believed to be over 2,000 years old, created by the indigenous Ifugao people using minimal tools. These terraces represent a remarkable feat of agricultural engineering and a living cultural landscape that continues to be farmed today.
