By: Dante M. Salvaña
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in partnership with the Local Government of Olongapo City, reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal rights as hundreds of participants joined the 2026 Pride Month celebration last Saturday June 27, highlighted by a colorful Pride March.
The event marked the second collaboration between SBMA and the Olongapo City Government for Pride Month and the first Pride celebration under the leadership of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. It also brought together members of the LGBTQIA+ community, local government officials, barangay representatives, and stakeholders from the Freeport.
SBMA Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD-FPS) Executive Committee Chairperson Jennifer T. Guiang said the celebration aims to strengthen collaboration between the Freeport and surrounding communities while promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
“This is our second collaboration with the Olongapo City Government. Through this activity, we are also incorporating our local communities to celebrate diversity and recognize the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community,” Guiang said.
Delivering the message of Chairman Aliño, OIC Deputy Administrator for Corporate Communications Armina Belleza Llamas emphasized that Pride Month is a celebration of love, equality, and respect for every individual.
“The Pride March is not just a celebration of diversity, but a reminder that respect and equality are the foundations of a stronger and happier society. Together, we continue to uphold the right of every person to love freely and be true to themselves,” the Chairman’s message stated.
Olongapo City Vice Mayor Kaye Legazpi reaffirmed the city’s full support for the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting Olongapo’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (Ordinance No. 30, Series of 2023), which protects individuals against discrimination regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, or nationality.
“We celebrate not only diversity but also the achievements and contributions of our LGBTQIA+ community. More importantly, we remain committed to protecting their rights through policies that promote equality and inclusion,” Legazpi said.
The June 27 celebration underscored the continuing partnership between SBMA and the City Government of Olongapo in creating a safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free community where every individual is respected and valued regardless of identity.