By Jennyrose Bitago
OLONGAPO CITY – This city was transformed into a vibrant display of colors during a parade to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual and more (LGBTQIA+) community on Friday, June 30.
Hundreds of participants from 17 villages in the city marched from SM Olongapo Downtown to Marikit Park showcasing unwavering solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
After the parade led by Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., Councilor Lugie Lipumano Garcia and Human Resource and Management Office Head Imelda Abad, the celebration continued with a short program at Marikit Park emphasizing the value of inclusivity and advancing the cause of equal rights.
“First pride month of Olongapo city celebration. It is not the last, this is just the beginning of our acknowledgement and we are here to support, the city and all the government employees on behalf of our City Mayor support LGBTQIA+ here in Olongapo. Mahal na mahal po namin kayo at kasama niyo po kami lagi dito po sa laban natin,” said Councilor Lugie Lipumano Garcia during her speech.
Representatives from the 17 villages of the city also showcased their creativity and talent during a pageant that served as a platform to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and inspire further progress in the pursuit of a more inclusive society. The overall winner is the representative from Brgy. Gordon Heights, who wowed the judges and the crowd with outstanding performance and unrelenting passion. FREEPORT INSIDER
