By Christian John Calimbas, ACTS 

Over the past years, meaningful strides have been made to promote the welfare and dignity of all genders—particularly the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) community.   

In 2019, the passage of Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) provided protective measures against gender-based sexual harassment in public places, workplaces, educational or training institutions, and online platforms.   

Meanwhile, in 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 51. which reinforces the diversity and inclusion program and creates a special committee on LGBTQIA+ affairs. Policies are also in place to foster a safe and inclusive work environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ such as the Gender-Responsive Dress Code (Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024) and the conduct of gender sensitivity training.  

And in solidarity with the global community, the Department of Budget of Management (DBM) openly celebrated Pride Month last June 2025—fostering inclusivity and embracing joyful and radiant energy of Pride.   

Creating Awareness 

In increasing awareness on how to create safe working environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, the DBM’s Human Resources Development Division partnered with LoveYourself to impart knowledge about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and sexually transmitted infection (STI), and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIESC).  

During the Pride 101 event, DBM Gender and Development Chairperson Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran shared her insights in promoting inclusivity in the workplace.  

“The essence of equality lies in fostering an inclusive and just society, where everyone can live authentically and freely without fear of persecution or judgment. It guarantees a safe space where no one is denied access to opportunities based on who they are or whom they love,” Usec. Libiran shared.  

Aside from this, a separate HIV-Testing activity was conducted by LoveYourself to encourage DBM employees to know their status and learn more about safe sexual practices and ending the stigma against HIV/AIDS and STIs.  

DBM does Drag 

Ending Pride month with a bang, the inaugural DBM Drag Race was successfully held—bringing together four contenders for the most coveted title as the first-ever DBM Drag Race Champion.  

Bringing the house down, Rose Marie E. Dagahuya (“B. Jette Teqnékal B-roux”) from the Budget Technical Bureau won the crown while Janssen S. Cabrera (“Macie Keep”), ended as the first runner-up. Smoking up the competition, AS Representatives Mr. Jimmy G. Atanacio, Jr. (“Ziamesch Le Vil”) and Zyron Ray S. Bangalisan (“ZaZai Zaturna”) reached the semifinals.  

Raise your glass 

More than a form of entertainment, drag is political. More than just a celebration, Pride is a protest. It doesn’t start and end in June because we should see each day as a form of Pride—pride in living our most authentic selves and pride in standing for the underprivileged and unseen sectors of society.  

In the Philippines, the first Pride March protest was led by The Lesbian Collective during their commemoration of International Women’s Day in 1992. This reflects the intersectionality of women’s and LGBTQIA+ struggles.  

And as we see progress unfold, may we continue to dismantle the system that oppresses the underrepresented. The fight goes beyond Pride Month. Real inclusivity is not measured by colorful events alone, but by the daily choices in our workplace: equal opportunities for employment, growth, promotion and how we treat those who still struggle for recognition. 

Let us demand and advocate for the passage of the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill—a fight we have been fighting for over two decades. This measure will fortify our pursuit of equality and protection—not only for the LGBTQIA+ community—but for everyone.  

We have come a long way and yet we have a long way to go. Pride in public service must mean more than rainbow flags on the walls, it must mean tearing down the walls of exclusion that stand. Kudos to the Department for taking a step towards this direction—for raising our glass and celebrating Pride with us, but may this toast also remind us that the real work continues even after the music fades.