Aklan Enacts Anti-Discrimination Law, Iloilo City Opens Pride Month

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive

The provincial government of Aklan has enacted a landmark anti-discrimination ordinance that protects the rights of marginalized groups, including those based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the Aklan Anti-Discrimination Ordinance on April 21, authored by SP member Edmundo Tolentino Jr. and co-sponsored by Jay Tejada.

The ordinance prohibits discrimination in both public and private settings based on race, ethnicity, language, gender, age, religion, disability, SOGIESC, health status, social class, and physical appearance.

“In our path toward being a more progressive Aklan, we remain committed to advancing policies that promote fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity not just for the youth, but for every Aklanon,” said Tolentino, who also serves as SK Provincial Federation president.

The law mandates mechanisms for reporting violations, conducting public education, and enforcing the ordinance in workplaces, schools, government offices, healthcare institutions, and public spaces such as transport and housing.

Public and private institutions are required to adopt internal policies and conduct training programs to create inclusive and safe environments.

Violators face criminal liability, with penalties ranging from fines of PHP1,000 to PHP5,000, imprisonment of 50 days to one year, and/or community service, at the court’s discretion.

The ordinance also ensures protection against retaliation for victims and whistleblowers.

PANTAY, a youth-led organization advocating gender-inclusive laws, said Aklan is the 12th province in the country to pass such legislation.

In Iloilo City, Pride Month officially launched on June 1 with a vibrant celebration at SM City Iloilo, organized by the Office of the LGBTQ+ Affairs and the Iloilo LGBT Network.

Now on its third year, Pride Pyesta 2025 carries the theme “KITA: Kindness in the Air,” and promises a full month of events promoting advocacy, inclusion, and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

The opening festivities included “Ang PagKITAay: The Opening Ceremony” and the press presentation of the 2025 SOGIE-SC Ambassadors, hosted by 2024 ambassador Denver Tajanlangit.

Ten candidates from Iloilo City and province were introduced to the public during the program.

Early crowd favorites during the presentation were the Top 3 Face of the Press winners: Stacey Santiago of La Paz, JM Tugado of Arevalo, and Jalanie Shiekadato Imam of Mandurriao.

A high-energy segment titled UsDRAG: The Drag Show showcased performances by local drag stars, including Ilonggo Drag Superstar 2022 Venus Verosika and Jeyana, the Dancing Diva of Iloilo.

The fashion segment, KIAY TA: The Runway Show, featured creations from Ilonggo designers Gene Gabriel Guevara, Kim Joshua Caminian, and Jairo Jairo, highlighting the region’s flair for queer style and fashion.

Leaders and barangay presidents of the Iloilo LGBT Network also took the Oath of Sportsmanship for the KITAgisan: Pride Pyesta 2025 Volleyball League, set to begin on June 27.

Other Pride Pyesta 2025 events include a Pride March, Pride Run, Pride Movie Night, and several advocacy-centered activities designed to amplify LGBTQ+ presence and participation.

City government officials and representatives from the LGBTQ+ Affairs Office and Iloilo LGBT Network were present at the launch, reaffirming Iloilo’s commitment to equality, dignity, and inclusive governance.