Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) joins Pride Parade 2017.
Subic Bay Freeport—Preparations are underway for the joint celebration of Pride Month through a collaboration between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the City Government of Olongapo.
Slated on June 27, the Pride Month celebration with the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Inspiring Unity” will kick off with a colorful parade by members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Olongapo City in costume.
Jennifer Guiang, SBMA Gender and Development-Focal Point System (GAD-FPS) Executive Committee Chairperson, and Procurement and Property Management Department (PPMD) acting manager, and Accreditation Office OIC, said that this is the second joint celebration between the two parties.
“We are so excited to team up with Olongapo City for this festive event after quite a long time. We are looking forward to the success of this Pride Month celebration and, of course, to the continued partnership with Olongapo City,” Guiang said.
Guiang added that the celebration will also be joined in by SBMA employees and interested locators, apart from contingents from the 17 barangays of Olongapo City.
The parade will start from Olongapo City and end at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall in Subic Bay Freeport to symbolize their collaboration initiatives.
At the Harbor Point Ayala Mall, competitions will highlight the celebration, including the TikTok Challenge, in which each participating group will consist of 5 to 10 members.
Participating groups will be judged according to creativity and originality, advocacy, group coordination and presentation, energy and audience impact, and eco-friendly materials.
Guiang also said that other competitions include Most Creative Pride Walk Delegation, in which costumes, props, chants, and advocacy materials will be judged.
Meanwhile, Olongapo City Councilor and chairperson of the Committee on Women, Family, and Gender Equality, Eyrma Yvette Marzan, disclosed that the Best in Costume award will also be given to selected participating groups, as well as the Championship title for best barangay representation.Defending champion Barangay Gordon Heights assured participation in the upcoming Pride Month celebration.