On Pride Month, Robredo calls for intensified efforts towards ‘truly equitable society’

Vice President Leni Robredo (JAY GANZON/OVP)

MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of Pride Month, Vice President Leni Robredo called for intensified efforts towards a “fairer, humane, truly equitable society” where members of the LGBTQIA+ community are treated with the “same love, respect and acceptance as everyone else.”

In a statement on Monday, Robredo joined the LGBTQIA+ community in celebrating Pride Month, taking note of the challenges its members faced and continue to face.

“Throughout the years, the LGBTQIA+ community provided a shelter to the oppressed, a voice to the marginalized, and a family to the isolated. Despite this, challenges persist,” she said.

These challenges, Robredo pointed out, include the lack of employment opportunities and access to healthcare services, different kinds of violence and discrimination in public and online spaces.

“[N]apakarami pang kailangang isulong [There are still a lot we can do] to truly establish an atmosphere of acceptance and genuine equality for all. That is why today and beyond this month-long celebration, we are called to intensify our efforts,” she said.

“Ang layunin natin: Isang lipunan kung saan lahat nasisilungan, lahat natutulungan, lahat naaaruga, anuman ang kasarian o katayuan sa buhay. Kung saan niyayakap ang LGBTQIA+ bilang kapwa tao who have the same rights and dignity, and that deserve the same love, respect and acceptance as everyone else,” she added.

(Our goal is: For a society where everyone is covered, help and care are extended to everyone, no matter the gender or status in life. A society wherein members of the LGBTQIA+ are accepted and treated as people who have the same rights and dignity, and that deserve the same love, respect and acceptance as everyone else.)

“May we continue to deepen the ties that bind us as a nation and strengthen our collective resolve to build a fairer, humane, truly equitable society,” she further said.

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