The Malabon City local government held the “Reyna ng Bulaklakan” Grand Parade for the members of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community in the city on Sunday evening, June 16.

As part of the Pride Month celebration, the parade started at the Malabon National High School at 6 p.m. and ended at the Malabon Sports Complex.

The event was led by the city’s Gender and Development (GAD) office, together with an association composed of residents, hair stylists, and fashion designers.

Participants wore gowns made by the Malabueño designers, aiming to challenge societal norms, increase visibility, and cultivate a sense of community among all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Their objective was to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable society by increasing public awareness and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individual by actively engaging participants from various sectors including the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, local officials, and residents.

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval promoted inclusivity, love, beauty, and diversity as one of her administration’s core principles. She said all Malabon Residents should feel valued for who they are and not for how they are identified.

“Bilang isang ina at alkalde ng Malabon, ating isinusulong ang pagkapantay-pantay, pagkakaiba, respeto, at pagtanggap sa bawat Malabueño, anuman ang kasarian, tungo sa mas masaya at maunlad na Malabon. Makakaaasa po kayo na buo ang suporta ng ating pamahalaang lungsod sa mga aktibidad tulad nito na naglalayong mas palakasin pa ang mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa, pagmamahal, at suporta (As the mother and mayor of Malabon, I advocate for equality, diversity, respect, and acceptance for every Malabueño, regardless of gender, towards a happier and more prosperous Malabon. You can count on the full support of our city government for activities like these, which aim to strengthen our communities through unity, love, and support),” she said.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete reiterated the city government’s commitment to supporting residents in advancing the city.

“Ang ating pamahalaang lungsod, sa pamumuno ni Mayor Jeannie, ay patuloy na susuporta sa pagsulong ng pagkakaroon ng pantay na karapatan para sa lahat. Ating ipagdiwang ang pag-ibig sa lahat ng uri ng pagkakakilanlan o kasarian. Asahan niyo po na ang pamahalaan ay laging bukas upang makinig at sumuporta tungo sa isang lungsod na pa-unlad at nagkakapit-bisig tungo sa pag-ahon (Our city government, under the leadership of Mayor Jeannie, will continue to support the advancement of equal rights for all. Let us celebrate love in all its forms and identities. Rest assured that the government is always open to listening and supporting towards a progressive and united city working together for upliftment),” he said.

City’s Gender and Development (GAD) head Markus Operiano said that the event highlighted the various stories and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Doing it [Bulaklakan] on Pride Month, it shows the different stories, the beauty, the struggles of the community, especially with regard to the acceptance of the trans women as most of the participants are trans people. Through this, more than visibility, it's about the fight to be seen... Through the Bulaklakan, we hope to lessen the discrimination they face by giving a platform for them to shine and to show their beauty,” he said.

Operiano also urged community members to uplift each other, foster greater inclusion in society as he noted that the event marked a crucial milestone for the local government to introduce additional programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Malabon.

Representative Ricky Sandoval, city councilors, television personalities such as Katrina Halili, Harlene Budol, Jelai Andres, Kid Yambao, Zeus Collins, and media influencer Diwata, were present at the Reyna ng Bulaklakan parade.