Apart from the traditional “Rainbow Walk of Pride,” the City of San Fernando’s celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) June Pride Month 2019 will center on several personality development events.
This was revealed during the kick-off ceremony of the celebration led by CSF’s Gender and Development and LGBT city-wide organization SIWALA (light) at City Hall on June 10.
“Our main goal for this celebration ay matulungan yung kasamahan nating LGBT members na maging bahagi ng komunidad sa pamamagitan ng iba’t-ibang aktibidad kung saan mailalabas nila yung kanilang talento at kakayahan,” explained Randy Ocampo, SIWALA president.
Part of this month-long celebration will be the Seminar/Orientation on Business Opportunities and How to Start a Business to be led by the City Investment Promotion Office on June 18 at Heroes Hall.
Also, through the support of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the City Employment Service Division, a 15-day Skills Training on Beauty Care NC II among members of several community-based training sites will be held.
For the culmination part, a Cebu-based lawyer will lead a “Forum on LGBT Rights: Defense, Promotion, and Protection” on June 26 also at Heroes Hall.
Ocampo, meanwhile, invited all LGBT members and advocates to grace the sports-themed “Rainbow Pride Walk” which will happen on June 14 from City Hall to Heroes Hall.
According to Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, the presence of the community “will make the LGBT members feel they are accepted and appreciated.”
“Sa lahat ng Fernandinos, miyembro man ng LGBT o hindi, hinihikayat ko kayo na tangkilikin ang mga programa ng siyudad para sa pride month. This will help our members na maramdaman nila yung acceptance at appreciation. Also, paraan din ito para makita natin yung kakayahan nila,” said Santiago.
The SIWALA revealed that their organization currently has some 500 members who hail from the different parts of the city. The group has been part of several LGBT events in the city including the Pyestang Fernandino and Kaganapan cityhood anniversary activities.
This year’s celebration was themed, “Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa. Kaantabay sa Pagsulong ng Bayan.”