FROM STUDENT LEADER TO PUBLIC SERVANT: KIT BELMONTE’S QC JOURNEY

Kit Belmonte had been involved in advocating for Quezon City residents as early as his time as a student leader at the University of the Philippines (UP).

In February 1985, Belmonte and other student leaders reportedly joined residents of Pook Ricarte in opposing a planned demolition, which resulted in a violent confrontation involving around 200 police officers.

Students from UP Diliman, Miriam College, and Ateneo de Manila University also participated in the protest, which later became known as the “Battle of Pook Ricarte.”

The incident underscored the solidarity between student groups and urban poor communities in their efforts to protect residents from displacement.

Belmonte’s reported involvement reflected his longstanding advocacy for Quezon City communities even before he entered public office.

Source: PhilNews24 | August 29, 2026