CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — “We acknowledge that while we have made significant strides, there are still challenges to overcome. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every Filipino can experience the freedom, respect, and acceptance they deserve,” said Vice President Sara Z. Duterte during the Office of the Vice President Pride Reception 2024 on June 25, here.
The annual celebration aims to recognize and support members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities, as well as raise awareness about their struggles.
The event also showcased the OVP’s ‘Magnegosyo ta ‘Day’ initiative, which grants P15,000 to 20 LGBTQIA+ members to support their small businesses and boost economic growth.
“Ang importante po sa ‘Magnegosyo ta ‘Day’ ay hindi ‘yung negosyo, but tinuturuan kayo paano magnegosyo para kung ano man ‘yung interest ninyo ay hindi nalulugi ‘yung inyong negosyo,” she said.
The significance of ‘Magnegosyo ta ‘Day’ lies not only in the business itself, but also in its ability to teach you how to conduct business effectively, ensuring that your business remains profitable, regardless of your interests.)
Aside from promoting financial independence, Duterte also encouraged people of all ages to pursue education, noting that they can enroll in the Alternative Learning Center (ALS) to earn a high school equivalency.
“Huwag ninyong kalimutan ipaalala sa kanila araw-araw ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon sa buhay nila dahil ‘yun ang magpapabago ng kanilang buhay—ang kanilang pagtatapos at ang kanilang pagiging masipag sa kanilang mga propesyon,” she told the participants, telling them to always put education first in their homes.
(Don’t forget to remind them of the importance of education in their lives because that is what will truly transform their lives— their completion and dedication in their professions.)
Duterte also emphasized the need to continue supporting the government’s initiatives that promote understanding and protection against discrimination towards a more inclusive and compassionate society. (OSGJ/PIA-10)
