The Iloilo Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ individuals through a provincewide forum that highlighted rights, mental health, and access to support services.
As part of the culmination of Pride Month, the Iloilo Provincial Government PRIDE (IPG Pride), in partnership with the Provincial Gender and Development Council (PGADC), recently held the forum, “Beyond Colors: For All of Us,” bringing together LGBTQIA+ advocates, local government representatives, and members of the community from across Iloilo.
Serving as keynote speaker, Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque assured participants of continued support from the provincial government, emphasizing that the LGBTQIA+ community has an ally in the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
“All we want is for you to love freely and safely. We want a resilient Iloilo,” she said, stressing the importance of protecting and empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals as partners in development.
IPG-PRIDE president Jose Palmon Jr. said the forum provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community while recognizing the progress Iloilo has made in advancing equality and inclusion.
“We affirm that diversity is our strength and that mental health, dignity, and human rights must always be at the center of our development goals,” he said.
Participants also gained insights on LGBTQIA+ advocacy and policy development from Iloilo City PESO Manager and Office of LGBTQ Affairs head Gabriel Umadhay, who underscored the need to transform conversations into concrete legislation.
Iloilo City Councilor Nene Dela Llana also shed light on the city’s Right to Care Ordinance, which allows qualified adults, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to designate trusted partners or companions as healthcare proxies during emergencies.
Meanwhile, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Project Development Officer IV Don Sasu presented the province’s mental health program PRIME and available helpline services.
For many attendees, the forum also served as a platform for building stronger networks. IPG-PRIDE member Bhony Sangacena said the activity helped connect LGBTQIA+ employees and advocates from the Provincial Capitol to more organizations.
"Importante ini para maka-unite ang group sang PRIDE sa capitol sa mga taga district hospitals kag LGUs," said Sangacena.
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