CAPIZ – In celebration of Pride Month, the provincial government honored and recognized the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community through a program held on June 20 at People’s Park in Barangay Baybay, Roxas City.
Atty. Luvim D. Amores, Provincial Information Officer and concurrent head of the Provincial Human Resource Management Office, represented Gov. Fredenil H. Castro in expressing the provincial government’s unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community and its programs.
A key feature of the celebration was a health forum titled “PREPared Ka Na Ba?”, which focused on mpox and raised awareness about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) — a medication that helps prevent the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a major public health concern in the province.
Free medical services were also provided by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and partner agencies, led by Dr. Ramon Alex T. Nolasco, PHO II. These services included HIV screening, vital signs monitoring, and general health consultations.
With the international theme “Activism and Social Change,” the celebration highlighted Pride’s origins as a protest and paid tribute to those who have fought — and continue to fight — for equal rights and social justice for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The PHO also extended its gratitude to the Department of Health Region 6, particularly the Health Promotion and Communication Management Section, for its support in making the event possible./PN
