ILOILO CITY – The provincial government of Aklan recently enacted an Anti-Discrimination Ordinance.
“This is a strong move to protect every Aklanon from unfair treatment and exclusion,” said Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores after signing General Ordinance No. 2025-003.
The ordinance by Aklan Provincial Board Member Edmundo “EJ” Tolentino Jr. as principal sponsor and colleague Jay Tejada as co-sponsor covers all forms of discrimination, including race, color, civil status, social status, health status, disability, age, religion, creed, ideological beliefs, and physical appearance.
It was hailed for including protection for sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) in time for Pride Month.
“We needed to make sure that everyone in Aklan felt safe, accepted, and protected for simply being themselves,” said Tolentino, ex-officio board member and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) president in Aklan.
“That is why this ordinance matters, not just as a piece of legislation but as a message of dignity and inclusion for all,” added Tolentino.
Youth organization Pantay lauded Aklan as the 12th province in the country to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance.