LGBTQIA, Supporters Turn Up for 1st Cebu Provincial Pride March

The Cebu Provincial Government, through the Provincial Youth Commission (PYC), successfully held the “1st Cebu Provincial Pride March” that gathered the support of more than 500 members and supporters of the LGBTQIA community in Cebu.

Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes A. Magpale vowed to support the advocacies of the LGBTQIA community. The vice governor also assured that she will push for a local anti-discrimination measure before the Provincial Board.

The governor’s First Lady Jobel Angan-Davide also graced the activity to show her support to the community.

LGBTQIA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual.

Image source: Cebu Provincial Gov’t

With the theme, Pasundayag, the activity kicked off with a parade from the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda up to the Provincial Capitol Grounds where a program was held that highlighted the talents of the LGBTQIA community.

“May this momentous event reminds you of what the forerunners of the LGBTQIA community fought for a long time ago-equality, acceptance, protection and empowerment,” Davide said in his speech during the program at the Capitol Grounds.

The PYC under the leadership of James Canoy also invited Assistant Secretary Rhea B. Peñaflor of the Department of Social Welfare and Development as the special guest and speaker.

Image source: Cebu Provincial Gov’t

Peñaflor thanked Davide and Magpale for inviting her to be a part of the event.

Peñaflor had served as the Commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NYC) for the Visayas before her appointment as DSWD assistant secretary. She was also an adviser of the advocacy group, Iloilo Pride.

Davide, who complemented Magpale’s plan on the anti-discrimination measure, cited some milestones of the LGBTQIA community.

“There are now existing anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation in a number of cities in the country like Cebu City, Quezon City, and Davao City to name some,” he said.

He said that a 2013 research showed that at least 73 percent of Filipinos believed that homosexuality should now be accepted.

“You have shown and successfully proven your capability to lead,” Davide said. “Daghan kaayong salamat sa inyong pagsuporta sa labing una’ng Pride March nga gipahigayon sa Cebu Provincial Government, gipanguluhan sa atong Provincial Youth Commission, ug pinaagi usab sa paningkamot sa atong mga youth leaders sa tanang dapit sa Probinsya sa Sugbo.” (Cebu Provincial Gov’t)