ILOILO – The 2025 Pride Month celebration of Iloilo’s 2nd District opened in full color and spirit on Saturday, June 21, in the municipality of Leganes, with outgoing Cong. Michael Gorriceta and incoming Cong. Kathy Gorriceta leading the festivities.
What began as a festive parade and street dance competition — joined by contingents from the towns of Pavia, Leganes, Santa Barbara, New Lucena, Zarraga, Leon, San Miguel, and Alimodian — also carried a deeper message: a continuing commitment to recognize and empower the LGBTQIA+ community.
“This is something I have spearheaded since 2019,” said Cong. Kathy Gorriceta. “I truly see the importance of our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters. That’s why we never hesitated to support them, to give them opportunities to uplift their lives and to be respected members of society.”
More than a symbolic celebration, the event also showcased sustained support programs initiated by the Gorriceta couple. Each LGBTQIA+ organization in the district receives livelihood assistance, access to scholarships for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training, and support in various community initiatives.
Cong. Kathy Gorriceta noted the LGBTQIA+ community has grown to become a vital partner of the Office of the Congressman in implementing development programs. Just this month, LGBTQIA+ groups helped in the distribution of school supplies during the Brigada Eskwela drive in select schools from June 9 to 13.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the keynote speech by Dr. Jasper Vijar, a social impact advocate and one of Forbes Asia’s “30 Under 30.”
The 2nd District LGBTQIA+ Association, in partnership with the Gorricetas’ congressional office, has prepared a range of activities throughout the month, including a fun run, recognition of outstanding LGBTQIA+ achievers in fields such as good governance and business, and community-building engagements aimed at promoting inclusivity and pride./PN
