ILOILO City – The city government’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affair, formally opened Pride Pyesta 2025 on Saturday, June 1, with a series of activities that highlight the city’s continuing commitment to equality, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Now on its third year as an institutionalized celebration, this year’s Pride Month festivities carry the theme “Kindness in the Air” or “KITA,” reflecting a renewed call for unity, compassion, and understanding across all gender identities and expressions.
The month-long celebration is led by the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs under Director Reyna Clamor, in partnership with the Iloilo LGBT Network and supported by the Iloilo City Government through Executive Order No. 139, Series of 2023, which formally established the office under Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“Pride Pyesta is more than just a celebration. It’s a platform to recognize the strides we have made in Iloilo City while continuing to push for policies that protect our LGBTQ+ community,” said Iloilo LGBT Network President Gabriel Umadhay during the media launch.
Umadhay emphasized the importance of passing anti-discrimination legislation and the national SOGIE Equality Bill.
“After the war of colors and political noise, this year’s theme is about harmony, doing things together. We call on future legislators to champion the rights of the LGBTQ+ community,” he added.
Clamor reflected on the city’s growing support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, recalling how Iloilo’s first Pride March in 2015 started with just 50 participants.
“We’ve come a long way. What was once a classroom-sized group is now a city-wide movement supported by both the government and private institutions,” she said.
The Iloilo LGBT Network has so far recorded 3,500 active members from across the city, with 152 barangay-based leaders submitting verified data to the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs.
Among the major highlights of the Pride Pyesta 2025 calendar are:
* Ang PagKITAay: Opening Ceremony and SOGIE-SC Ambassador Launch
* KIAY TA: The Runway Show, featuring local fashion designers
* UsDRAG: The Drag Show, celebrating drag artistry
* KITAgisan: Pride Pyesta Volleyball League, with games set on June 27
* Pride March, Pride Run, and Pride Movie Night
During the June 1 launch held at SM City Iloilo, the 10 official candidates for SOGIE-SC Ambassador 2025 were formally presented, hosted by 2024 Ambassador Denver Tajanlangit. The Top 3 “Face of the Press” winners were Stacey Santiago of La Paz, JM Tugado of Arevalo, and Jalanie Shiekadato Imam of Mandurriao.
Local drag icons, including Venus Verosika and Jeyana, energized the opening program with performances during UsDRAG, while fashion designers Gene Gabriel Guevara, Kim Joshua Caminian, and Jairo Jairo showcased their works in the KIAY TA runway show.
LGBT Barangay Network presidents and team leaders also took their Oath of Sportsmanship in preparation for the upcoming volleyball tournament.
Councilor Frances Grace Parcon-Torres graced the event, affirming the city government’s support for Pride Month and inclusive governance.
“The success of Pride Pyesta is a reflection of Iloilo City’s openness and commitment to protect the rights of every citizen, regardless of gender identity or expression,” said Clamor./PN
