BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Advancing its commitment to inclusion and diversity, the city government opened an office focusing exclusively on LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) affairs.
In Executive Order (EO) No. 139 creating the office, Mayor Jerry Treñas cited the 1987 Constitution which states, “The nation upholds the dignity of every individual and assures full respect for human rights.”
He also took cognizance of Republic Act of 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), which prevents gender-specific sexual harassment in public areas, digital spaces, workplaces, and academic institutions.
The city’s own Regulation Ordinance No. 2018-090 (Anti-Discrimination Ordinance) was also underscored in the EO.
The new office is structured to include a head of office, complemented by both an administrative and a safe space section.
The office’s chief is tasked with ensuring smooth and effective operations, offering regular monthly insights on their actions and initiatives to the local chief executive.
The roles of the Administrative Section are as follows:
* Overseeing the SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics) education caravan to enlighten the community about SOGIESC, its meanings, and relevance.
* Spearheading awareness campaigns centered on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with a goal to reshape community attitudes and behaviors concerning these conditions.
* Leading the Trans Health Education Drive, aiming to guide the transgender community towards a healthier transition journey.
* Distributing educational materials and information.
* Handling various administrative tasks such as document processing, reimbursements, procurement paperwork, payroll, among other related duties.
Meanwhile, the Safe Space Section will:
* Facilitate job opportunities to assist community members in securing positions that align with their skills and strengths.
* Promote gender justice, assisting victims of discrimination and hate crimes, hence reducing such incidents.
* Regularly revise the city’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance and oversee the execution of provisions for its improvement.
* Supervise barangay LGBT leaders, with these leaders being elected by the members of their respective barangay organizations.
* Lead community organization and devise programs and events to bolster unity within the community.
Reyna Clamor, who holds the title of Director of the Office of LGBTQ Affairs-Iloilo City and Community Affairs Officer II, said, “We are deeply thankful to Mayor Jerry Treñas for championing a fairer Iloilo. His determination to bring this office to fruition truly motivates all of us.”
Additionally, she hailed those who have consistently advocated for the rights and welfare of the LGBTQ+ community.
“As we move forward, remember that our work is not done. Establishing this office is just the beginning of a journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate Iloilo,” Clamor said./PN
