The House Speaker has called for a more inclusive society where every Filipino can live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity, as the country marks Pride Month.
In a video message for the Isabela Pride Festival, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the celebration honors the courage of people to live truthfully and affirms the right of every person to be treated with fairness.
“Ngayong Pride Month, ipinagdiriwang natin ang tapang ng pagiging totoo sa sarili at ang karapatan ng bawat isa na mamuhay nang may dignidad, respeto, at pantay na oportunidad,” he said.
The House leader said no person should suffer discrimination or be looked down upon because of their identity, belief, or background.
“Anuman ang ating pinagmulan, paniniwala, o pagkakakilanlan, may lugar ang bawat isa sa ating lipunan. Walang sinuman ang dapat makaranas ng diskriminasyon o pangmamaliit sapagkat sa isang makatarungan at makabagong bansa, ang paggalang sa dignidad ng tao ay hindi pribilehiyo ng iilan kundi karapatan ng lahat,” he added.
Dy said genuine equality means ensuring that every person is recognized, heard, respected, and given the chance to participate fully in society.
“Equality means ensuring that every person is seen, heard, respected, and allowed to thrive. When people are free to live authentically and contribute their talents without fear or prejudice, our communities become stronger, more compassionate, and more united,” he said.
The Isabela lawmaker said acceptance begins with understanding and compassion, while unity is strengthened when people recognize the humanity of others.
“Ang selebrasyon pong ito ay paalala na ang pagkakapantay-pantay ay nagsisimula sa pag-unawa, ang pagtanggap ay nagsisimula sa malasakit, at ang pagkakaisa ay nabubuo kapag kinikilala natin ang pagkatao ng bawat isa,” Dy said.
He ended his message by greeting the LGBTQIA+ community and urging Filipinos to help build a future grounded in inclusion, compassion, and equal rights for all.