The National Museum of the Philippines is once again waving the rainbow flag to celebrate Pride Month this year.
The museum located in Manila shared pictures of the flag, a symbol of pride and visibility among members of the LGBTQ+ community, hanging from buildings in its complex, as seen on Facebook yesterday, June 13. It said the flags will remain there until the end of the month.
The National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum Planetarium all carry the flag.
“By installing it before main thoroughfares, we are raising awareness of the Museum’s inclusive programs even if we are still closed due to the pandemic,” the museum said in a statement from transgender administrative officer Francine España.
“With its main thrust of making all of its museums universally accessible and enshrined in the National Museum Act (RA 11333), the NMP ensures that the LGBTQIA+ members are not disregarded and always given equal opportunity to cultural education activities and museum experiences.”
The statement also emphasized the meaning of Pride Month, highlighting that it is not just about “colorful parades” but is also “about teaching acceptance, equality and understanding.”
“It’s about people coming together in love and harmony, and showing how far gay rights have come in the country but also how much more we have to do in terms of embracing all other persuasions,” the statement noted.
The museum has been closed since March 13 due to the coronavirus crisis. However, it has maintained an online presence to feature Filipino art and history. It can also be visited via a digital tour on its website, which requires Adobe Flash Player for viewing. JB
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