SBMA ends Pride celebration with 1st LGBTQ+ circle of unity, solidarity

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Gender and Development technical working group (GAD-TWG) spearheaded the ceremonial circle of unity and solidarity among members and supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (LGBTQ+) community.

Forming a big circle around the LGBTQ+ flag, participants waved their flaglets in the air, dancing to the tune of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” to show equality among all sexual preferences.

“Our objective for this circle of unity and solidarity is to show the world that gender equality exists in Subic Bay Freeport,” said DJ Jepsz Eslava, SBMA Gender and Development (GAD) coordinator.

Eslava said that the event serves as the finale of the month-long celebration of Pride month. Earlier this week, GAD-TWG organized a webinar for SBMA employees and other LGBTQ+ members. It tackled two topics—hypertension and angina, and safe spaces act and anti-bullying.

During the culminating activity, a gallery of photos joining the contest was also judged according to its theme, “Breaking stereotypes.” Entries were judged according to people’s choice and jury’s choice. Both won ₱10,000 cash.

Also, the Pride Eco-wear Challenge, where contestants were challenged to come-up with an attire made out of recycled materials and coherent to this year’s theme, “love and unity for the LGBTQ+ Community 2022.” The champion was given ₱10,000 cash, while consolation prize winners got ₱2,000 cash.

Last but not the least, live Q&A finalists at G’ Morning radio program of GAD, which aired over 89.5 FM Subic Bay Radio, were also judged according to people’s choice and jury’s choice. Winners of both category were given ₱5,000 each. Consolation prize winners received ₱2,000 each.

Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who was attending another important event, expressed his support to the LGBTQ+ community. 

“I support the LGBTQ+ community, and they are very welcome here. Everybody is welcome here. Subic Bay Freeport is open for everybody,” Paulino assured.

Paulino added that this support to the LGBTQ+ community also serves as a welcome to potential investors who is eyeing to make it happen in the Philippines and invest in Subic, because people in Subic are gender sensitive. 

GAD-TWG disclosed that more GAD activities are already lined up for the rest of the year, including Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and Men Oppose VAW Everywhere (MOVE). (MPD-SBMA)

Read More

Subic Freeport holds first Pride Parade

More than a hundred participants from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community joined in the first Pride Parade here in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday to help promote equality, diversity and inclusion among various sexes.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman, the first transgender woman elected to the Congress of the Philippines, led the parade to show support to the LGBT community.

The parade featured LGBT members in colorful costumes, who competed in a contest that sought to express and affirm the culture and pride of the LGBT community.

LGBT pride is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity and equality rights, as well as to increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance.

SBMA Chairman Eisma said the Subic agency firmly supports the LGBT community’s demand for equality and equal rights regardless of religion, color, or sexual preference.

Delegates to the event included members from LGBT Barretto in Olongapo City, which had the biggest number of participants; The Antonio’s Family of San Felipe; The Antonio’s Family of San Narciso; Bi Alliance of Bataan, Olongapo and Iba; Proud Gays of Olongapo; The Montero Sisters; and The Smith Sisters.

In an interview during the event, Rep. Roman said she is proud that the Anti-Discrimination Law has been passed in the Lower House via unanimous decision, and that the bill will be passed on to the Senate for review.

“So, it’s up to Senator Risa Hontiveros (to work for) the enactment of the bill,” she added.

Roman also said that House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is pushing for civil partnership for all genders. She explained that this is different from the same-sex marriage that the LGBT Party Ladlad is pushing for. The civil partnership act will cover all genders, not just the LGBT community.

Roman said that the Anti-Discrimination bill will punish anybody who discriminates or make derogatory remarks against any LGBT person. The violator will be jailed for five years and fined P20,000.

Meanwhile, Chairman Eisma expressed hope that the Pride Parade will be bigger the next time around, as she reiterated the full support of the SBMA to gender equality, anti-discrimination, and human rights.

The event was organized by a group headed by Gigs Estalilla, who is an officer of the SBMA Gender and Development Focal Point Committee.

The parade was held as the SBMA capped its month-long 25thAnniversary celebration on Sunday. (JRR/HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] Participants in the first ever Subic Bay Pride Parade march along the Waterfront Road in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday (Nov. 26). Pride parades are held by members of the LGBT community to demonstrate their culture and pride and also to call for gender and legal rights.

[2] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman join the first ever Subic Bay Pride Parade held at the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday (Nov. 26). Pride parades are held by members of the LGBT community to demonstrate their culture and pride and also to call for gender and legal equality rights.

[3] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma pose with participants in colourful attires during the first ever Subic Bay Pride Parade march along the Waterfront Road in the Subic Bay Freeport on Sunday (Nov. 26). Pride parades are held by members of the LGBT community to demonstrate their culture and pride and also to call for gender and legal rights.

Read More