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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 129 queer couples celebrate love at QC Commitment ceremony on Valentine's Day

129 queer couples celebrate love at QC Commitment ceremony on Valentine's Day

Published Feb 15, 2026 06:19 pm
Mayor Joy Belmonte with queer couples during the commitment Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 14. (Quezon City government facebook page)
Mayor Joy Belmonte with queer couples during the commitment Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 14. (Quezon City government facebook page)
A total of 129 queer couples participated in the annual Commitment Ceremony hosted by the Quezon City government on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.
The ceremony officiated by Mayor Joy Belmonte, brought together members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their loved ones in a celebration of commitment and inclusion.
While same-sex marriage remains unrecognized in the Philippines, the city government continues to provide a platform that honors and affirms diverse relationships.
“Sa QC, malaya kayong magmahalan at magpahayag ng inyong pagiibigan. Love always wins in QC (In QC, you are free to love and express your love. Love always wins in QC),” Mayor Belmonte said.
“Ngayong Valentine’s Day, ipinagdiriwang natin ang lahat ng uri ng pagmamahal— higit lalo ang pagmamahalan ng ating mga kapatid na nasa LGBTQIA+ sector na hindi kinikilala ng karamihan (This Valentine's Day, we celebrate all kinds of love—especially the love of our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQIA+ sector that is not recognized by most),” she added.
The city mayor assured couples that Quezon City remains a safe and welcoming space.
“Pero sa QC, niyayakap po namin kayo at ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Sa QC, hindi basehan ang kasarian para magmahal. Malaya kayo, at suportado kayo ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan, higit lalo ng inyong Mother Mayor Joy Belmonte (But in QC, we embrace you and your loved ones. In QC, gender is not a basis for love. You are free, and you are supported by your local government, especially your Mother Mayor Joy Belmonte),” she said.
Mayor Belmonte also expressed gratitude to the couples who participated in the event.
“Maraming salamat sa lagpas 125 couples na nagpadama ng kanilang pagiibigan sa ating kakatapos lang na taunang Commitment Ceremony. Bagamat hindi pinapayagan sa ating bansa ang pagiisang dibdib ng LGBTQIA+ members, sa QC, kinikilala at ipinagdiriwang namin ang inyong wagas na pagmamahalan (Thank you to the over 125 couples who expressed their love at our recently concluded annual Commitment Ceremony. Although LGBTQIA+ members are not allowed to marry in our country, in QC, we recognize and celebrate your pure love),” she said.
Several national and local officials attended the ceremony in solidarity, including Perci Cendaña, PM Vargas, and DSWD for LGBTQIA+ Affairs Undersecretary Ellen Pasion.
Also present were Vince Liban and Mandaluyong City Barangay Captain Corazon Abalos, along with several Quezon City councilors and district action officers.

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