PRIDE MONTH 2025

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Despite heavy rains, the spirit of celebration and advocacy remained undampened at the Lov3Laban sa Diliman Pride event held at the University of the Philippines Diliman on Saturday. Attendees braved the weather, with umbrellas aloft and puddles underfoot, to participate in Pride Night performances, culminating a day-long celebration of love and equality.

This year’s event marked the third edition of Lov3Laban and the 30th Pride March in Metro Manila. It was a collaborative effort by Pride PH, the Quezon City government, and the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Pride PH National Convenor Rodina Singh explained the choice of venue: “Based from last year, we proved that the QC Circle wasn’t big enough to handle our large numbers and strength, so we thought UP Diliman was good, as a bastion of activism. And here, the call of Lov3Laban is very welcome.”

Beyond advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and the long-pending SOGIE Equality Bill, this year’s event also featured calls for broader reforms, including the legalization of divorce and marriage equality in the Philippines. UP Chancellor Dr. Edgardo Carlo Vistan II expressed pride in the university’s role, stating in a video message, “This reflects our commitment in creating mechanism for advancing knowledge in this field and advocating for and protesting the rights of our community and others regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”

The Pride March commenced in the afternoon from the UP Oblation, with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte leading the procession around the campus. Many participants waved rainbow flags and held placards championing inclusivity, love, and equal rights. The march was further enlivened by vibrant floats and creative costumes. The event grounds also featured food stalls, arts and merchandise, health services, and advocacy hubs.

More than just a celebration, Lov3Laban served as a critical platform to push for overdue legislative changes. Attendees like Leo Eubanas emphasized the ongoing struggle for societal acceptance for the LGBT community and the urgency of passing the SOGIE bill. Another attendee, Genesis Llaneras, highlighted UP’s openness to advocacy, calling it “the best university to hold Pride Month.”

Notably, this year’s Pride Fest, which has grown to be the largest in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, placed a significant emphasis on sustainability, marking a departure from previous waste-heavy festivities. Organizers actively worked to reduce the celebration’s environmental footprint by discouraging single-use plastics and promoting a circular economy among vendors and participants.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte underscored the connection between social justice and environmental action. “Climate change affects the lives of our citizens, especially those in marginalized sectors, and it exacerbates existing inequalities in our communities. We cannot end inequality without addressing the climate crisis. Through our Pride celebrations, we aim to empower LGBTQIA+ communities to become changemakers and to be at the forefront of our shared fight for equality, inclusivity, and climate justice,” she stated.

The city implemented six key climate actions for the event: waste reduction, promotion of low-carbon mobility, and water conservation were prioritized. Single-use plastics, including bags and water bottles, were banned, and vendors were encouraged to use reusable and biodegradable packaging. Digital platforms were utilized for event registration to minimize paper waste. Participants were also reminded to respect the UP Diliman campus’s natural landscape, with refilling stations provided for clean drinking water and tumblers encouraged. Vehicle-free zones were established to reduce pollution and create safe, walkable spaces for community engagement. Strategic placement of trash bins throughout the venue aimed to facilitate responsible waste segregation and recycling.