SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — “Subic Bay Freeport is open for everybody.”
Thus said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino, expressing support to the LGBTQ+ community whom he said are very welcome at the SBMA.
Paulino added that this support to the LGBTQ+ community also serves as a welcome to potential investors who want to invest in the Philippines and in Subic, “because people in Subic are gender sensitive”.
SBMA’s Gender and Development technical working group (GAD-TWG) spearheaded a ceremonial circle of unity and solidarity among members and supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (LGBTQ+) community here to cap the celebration of Pride Month.
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.
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 included in a 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.
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).
