Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan called for equality and respect for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community as the city is set to kick off the “Manila Summer Pride” with a free concert on Saturday, April 20.
The event aims to show that Manila's core is its people and to celebrate inclusivity in the city.
The event is in line with City Ordinance 8695, or the Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance of 2020, signed by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in October 2020, recognizing LGBTQs' talents, capabilities, and skills.
The mayor believes that everybody is entitled to equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their gender or sexual preferences.
"Naniniwala ako bilang isang Ina na kahit sino ka pa, kahit ano ka pa, may puwang ka sa mundo, may silbi ka sa mundo. Basta't ang pananaw natin sa buhay ay wala tayong tinatapakan, wala tayong pinagsasamantalahan, may paggalang tayo sa karapatan ng bawat isa at may pananagutan tayo sa malayang pamumuhay (I believe as a Mother of this city that no matter who you are, no matter what you are, you have a place in the world, you are useful in the world. As long as our perspective in life is that we do not step on anyone, we do not exploit anyone, we respect each other's rights, and we are responsible for living freely),” Lacuna-Pangan said.
She added that equality is not about how people see different things in the same way, but it is about accepting that things do vary in so many ways.
Lacuna-Pangan said many LGBTQ+ members are efficiently holding major positions in the city government.
Meanwhile, she invites the residents to attend the free concert organized by the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila (DTCAM), where a lineup of artists will perform. It will start at 6 p.m. at the Bonifacio Shrine beside Manila City Hall.