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). – SBMA Media Production Department