Subic Bay Freeport – Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Pride Celebration 2024 culminated with five LGBTQIA+ couples who affirmed their commitment to each other during the Couples Mass Commitment Ceremony at the Subic Park Hotel on Thursday.
SBMA Gender and Development Executive Committee Chairman Amethya Dela Llana-Koval said that this year’s celebration of pride month was themed “Pride: Empowering Commitment & Unity.”
She added that the commitment ceremony aims to show that two people could love each other regardless of gender.
She said that the SBMA’s LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony was led by the LGBTS Christian Church Inc. and was celebrated by both Reverend Cresencio Agbayani Jr. and Pastor Macario Sangcap.
The five couples were: Allen Dampil and Katherine Morales; Mavel Pascual and Maria Ana Liza Cruz; Nigelle Pedrosa and Clyde Canlas; Angel Villanueva and Kert Baugan; and Cristina Karen Cruz and Danna Marie Bautista.
The said commitment ceremony is in cooperation with the SBMA Employees Association, the Olongapo City-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Association, and Barangay Gordon Heights led by Chairperson Priscilla Ponge, who is a member of the LGBTQ community herself.
The ceremony also simulated traditional wedding rituals such as exchanging of vows, placement of ring, bible, cord, veil and wedding tokens, as well as cake cutting, and wine toasting.
The Pride Month celebration in Subic Bay Freeport is a testament to the inclusivity in this premier Freeport where everyone is welcome, regardless of religion, race, language, physical or mental ability, or gender.