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Vice President Sara Duterte led the vibrant Kasarilayaan 2025, the Office of the Vice President’s annual Pride Reception, held last June 25 in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Vice President Sara Duterte led this year’s Kasarilayaan 2025, the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) annual Pride Reception held in San Fernando, Pampanga last June 25.
In her keynote address, Vice President Duterte underscored the importance of recognizing and celebrating the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience and contributions to society.
“We gather today to celebrate Kasarilayaan, a vibrant celebration of the incredible Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, embodying the spirit of love, freedom, and self-expression,” the Vice President said.
She explained that Kasarilayaan—a newly adopted name for the OVP’s Pride event—is a portmanteau of kasarian (gender) and kalayaan (freedom), reflecting both cultural roots and the aspirations of the community; “This event not only echoes a global Pride Month that began in places far from Philippine shores but also redefines our unique journey and distinct circumstances as Filipinos.”
According to the Vice President, the theme emerged from ongoing dialogues between the OVP and LGBTQIA+ groups, demonstrating a collaborative approach to crafting the program.
More than 100 LGBTQIA+ members from different regions attended the event. One of its highlights was the formal awarding of livelihood grants to 48 new beneficiaries of the Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) program, one of Vice President Duterte’s flagship initiatives. Each grantee received ₱15,000 in additional capital to support their small businesses.
OVP Director for Operations Norman Baloro said the Kasarilayaan event serves to honor the strength and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while affirming the OVP’s solidarity in promoting equality.
“Ginagawa natin itong kasarilayaan para magbigay pugay sa ating kapwa LGBT, recognizing their efforts in nation building and most likely po makapagbibigay po ito sa kanila ng oportunidad kung ano ang mga programa, proyekto, at activities na meron po ang OVP,” (We are holding Kasarilayaan to honor our fellow LGBTQIA+ community members, recognizing their efforts in nation-building. This event also aims to give them opportunities to learn about the various programs, projects, and activities offered by the OVP,) Baloro noted.
Among the recipients of the livelihood grant was Arjay, a member of LGBT Pilipinas Incorporated’s Zambales chapter.
“Nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon para mapili na mabigyan ng karagdagang para sa ating munting negosyo,” (We were given a chance to be chosen as beneficiary of the program for our small business,) Arjay shared.
Arjay was very grateful for the program and said he plans to use the grant to expand his sari-sari store, including setting up a rice retail section to provide affordable rice to the community.
For many LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, the MTD program offers vital support to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods, underscoring the OVP’s goal of inclusive development for all sectors of society.
This year’s theme, Unity in Diversity, Harmonizing Efforts towards Inclusive Futures, emphasizes the OVP’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality as part of the nationwide Pride Month celebration.
In her keynote address, Vice President Duterte underscored the importance of recognizing and celebrating the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience and contributions to society.
“We gather today to celebrate Kasarilayaan, a vibrant celebration of the incredible Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, embodying the spirit of love, freedom, and self-expression,” the Vice President said.
She explained that Kasarilayaan—a newly adopted name for the OVP’s Pride event—is a portmanteau of kasarian (gender) and kalayaan (freedom), reflecting both cultural roots and the aspirations of the community; “This event not only echoes a global Pride Month that began in places far from Philippine shores but also redefines our unique journey and distinct circumstances as Filipinos.”
According to the Vice President, the theme emerged from ongoing dialogues between the OVP and LGBTQIA+ groups, demonstrating a collaborative approach to crafting the program.
More than 100 LGBTQIA+ members from different regions attended the event. One of its highlights was the formal awarding of livelihood grants to 48 new beneficiaries of the Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) program, one of Vice President Duterte’s flagship initiatives. Each grantee received ₱15,000 in additional capital to support their small businesses.
OVP Director for Operations Norman Baloro said the Kasarilayaan event serves to honor the strength and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while affirming the OVP’s solidarity in promoting equality.
“Ginagawa natin itong kasarilayaan para magbigay pugay sa ating kapwa LGBT, recognizing their efforts in nation building and most likely po makapagbibigay po ito sa kanila ng oportunidad kung ano ang mga programa, proyekto, at activities na meron po ang OVP,” (We are holding Kasarilayaan to honor our fellow LGBTQIA+ community members, recognizing their efforts in nation-building. This event also aims to give them opportunities to learn about the various programs, projects, and activities offered by the OVP,) Baloro noted.
Among the recipients of the livelihood grant was Arjay, a member of LGBT Pilipinas Incorporated’s Zambales chapter.
“Nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon para mapili na mabigyan ng karagdagang para sa ating munting negosyo,” (We were given a chance to be chosen as beneficiary of the program for our small business,) Arjay shared.
Arjay was very grateful for the program and said he plans to use the grant to expand his sari-sari store, including setting up a rice retail section to provide affordable rice to the community.
For many LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, the MTD program offers vital support to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods, underscoring the OVP’s goal of inclusive development for all sectors of society.
This year’s theme, Unity in Diversity, Harmonizing Efforts towards Inclusive Futures, emphasizes the OVP’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality as part of the nationwide Pride Month celebration.
Pinangunahan ni Vice President Sara Duterte ang Kasarilayaan 2025, ang taunang Pride Reception ng Office of the Vice President (OVP), na ginanap sa San Fernando, Pampanga noong Hunyo 25.
Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang-diin ni VP Sara ang kahalagahan ng pagkilala at pagdiriwang sa katatagan at kontribusyon ng komunidad ng LGBTQIA+ sa lipunan; “We gather today to celebrate Kasarilayaan, a vibrant celebration of the incredible Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, embodying the spirit of love, freedom, and self-expression.”
Ipinaliwanag niya na ang Kasarilayaan—ang bagong pangalan para sa Pride event ng OVP—ay isang pinagsamang salita mula sa kasarian at kalayaan, na sumasalamin sa ating kultura at adhikain bilang mga Pilipino; “This event not only echoes a global Pride Month that began in places far from Philippine shores but also redefines our unique journey and distinct circumstances as Filipinos.”
Ayon sa Pangalawang Pangulo, ang tema ngayong taon ay resulta ng tuloy-tuloy na dayalogo ng OVP kasama ang LGBTQIA+ groups—patunay ng isang bukas at kolaboratibong proseso sa pagbuo ng programa.
Mahigit 100 na miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ mula sa iba’t ibang rehiyon ang dumalo sa selebrasyon. Tampok sa programa ang pormal na paggawad ng livelihood grant sa 48 bagong benepisyaryo ng Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) program, isa sa mga pangunahing proyekto ng Pangalawang Pangulo. Tumanggap ng tig-₱15,000 na karagdagang puhunan ang bawat grantee para sa kanilang maliliit na negosyo.
Ayon kay Norman Baloro, OVP Director for Operations, layon ng Kasarilayaan na kilalanin ang lakas at ambag ng LGBTQIA+ community at pagtibayin ang pakikiisa ng OVP sa pagsusulong ng pagkakapantay-pantay.
“Ginagawa natin itong Kasarilayaan para magbigay pugay sa ating kapwa LGBT, kinikilala ang kanilang kontribusyon sa nation-building. Layunin din nitong bigyan sila ng oportunidad na malaman ang mga programa, proyekto, at activities ng OVP,” pahayag ni Baloro.
Isa sa mga napiling benepisyaryo ng livelihood grant ay si Arjay, miyembro ng LGBT Pilipinas Incorporated, Zambales chapter.
“Nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon para mapili na mabigyan ng karagdagang puhunan para sa ating munting negosyo,” ani Arjay.
Lubos ang kanyang pasasalamat sa programa at ibinahagi niyang plano niyang gamitin ang grant upang mapalago ang kanyang sari-sari store, kabilang ang pagbubukas ng bigasan upang makapagbenta ng mas murang bigas sa kanilang komunidad.
Para sa maraming LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, malaking tulong ang MTD program para mapalago ang kanilang kabuhayan at mapabuti ang kanilang pamumuhay—isang patunay sa layunin ng OVP na isulong ang inklusibong pag-unlad para sa lahat ng sektor ng lipunan.
Ang tema ngayong taon, “Unity in Diversity, Harmonizing Efforts towards Inclusive Futures”, ay nagpapakita ng dedikasyon ng OVP sa pagsusulong ng pagkakapantay-pantay at pagiging inklusibo bilang bahagi ng pambansang pagdiriwang ng Pride Month.
Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang-diin ni VP Sara ang kahalagahan ng pagkilala at pagdiriwang sa katatagan at kontribusyon ng komunidad ng LGBTQIA+ sa lipunan; “We gather today to celebrate Kasarilayaan, a vibrant celebration of the incredible Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, embodying the spirit of love, freedom, and self-expression.”
Ipinaliwanag niya na ang Kasarilayaan—ang bagong pangalan para sa Pride event ng OVP—ay isang pinagsamang salita mula sa kasarian at kalayaan, na sumasalamin sa ating kultura at adhikain bilang mga Pilipino; “This event not only echoes a global Pride Month that began in places far from Philippine shores but also redefines our unique journey and distinct circumstances as Filipinos.”
Ayon sa Pangalawang Pangulo, ang tema ngayong taon ay resulta ng tuloy-tuloy na dayalogo ng OVP kasama ang LGBTQIA+ groups—patunay ng isang bukas at kolaboratibong proseso sa pagbuo ng programa.
Mahigit 100 na miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ mula sa iba’t ibang rehiyon ang dumalo sa selebrasyon. Tampok sa programa ang pormal na paggawad ng livelihood grant sa 48 bagong benepisyaryo ng Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD) program, isa sa mga pangunahing proyekto ng Pangalawang Pangulo. Tumanggap ng tig-₱15,000 na karagdagang puhunan ang bawat grantee para sa kanilang maliliit na negosyo.
Ayon kay Norman Baloro, OVP Director for Operations, layon ng Kasarilayaan na kilalanin ang lakas at ambag ng LGBTQIA+ community at pagtibayin ang pakikiisa ng OVP sa pagsusulong ng pagkakapantay-pantay.
“Ginagawa natin itong Kasarilayaan para magbigay pugay sa ating kapwa LGBT, kinikilala ang kanilang kontribusyon sa nation-building. Layunin din nitong bigyan sila ng oportunidad na malaman ang mga programa, proyekto, at activities ng OVP,” pahayag ni Baloro.
Isa sa mga napiling benepisyaryo ng livelihood grant ay si Arjay, miyembro ng LGBT Pilipinas Incorporated, Zambales chapter.
“Nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon para mapili na mabigyan ng karagdagang puhunan para sa ating munting negosyo,” ani Arjay.
Lubos ang kanyang pasasalamat sa programa at ibinahagi niyang plano niyang gamitin ang grant upang mapalago ang kanyang sari-sari store, kabilang ang pagbubukas ng bigasan upang makapagbenta ng mas murang bigas sa kanilang komunidad.
Para sa maraming LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, malaking tulong ang MTD program para mapalago ang kanilang kabuhayan at mapabuti ang kanilang pamumuhay—isang patunay sa layunin ng OVP na isulong ang inklusibong pag-unlad para sa lahat ng sektor ng lipunan.
Ang tema ngayong taon, “Unity in Diversity, Harmonizing Efforts towards Inclusive Futures”, ay nagpapakita ng dedikasyon ng OVP sa pagsusulong ng pagkakapantay-pantay at pagiging inklusibo bilang bahagi ng pambansang pagdiriwang ng Pride Month.