THE City Government of San Fernando, through its Gender and Development office, Siwala organization and City College of San Fernando on Thursday feted members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
rCulminating the city’s first LGBT June Pride Month, the “LGBT Model of Excellence” seeks to uplift the image and recognize the deeds of the LGBT community particularly those who excelled in the different fields.
The awardees were event organizer Michael Munoz, international fashion designer and president and chief executive officer of Avalon Production Agency Michelle Joie Ferraris, artist and culture worker Peter De Vera, and recording and indie film artist Lorena Saivitri Villareal.
Mayor Edwin Santiago said the city aims to eradicate or lessen the discrimination to the LGBT community. He added that he hopes this celebration would serve as eye-opener to everyone to ensure that LGBT members are treated equally.
“Dito sa syudad San Fernando, pantay pantay ang bawat isa. Sana sa pamamagitan ng mga aktibidad na ating inilunsad ay maipadama natin sa mga kapatid nating LGBT ang ating pagmamahal, suporta at higit sa lahat ang respeto sa kanila,” Santiago said.
For her part, GAD focal person Amalia Catacutan expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported and exerted their efforts to make the celebration successful.
“Kahit natapos na ang selebrasyon, sana patuloy pa rin nating suportahan at pakitaan ng ating pagmamahal ang mga LGBT dahil parte rin sila ng ating lipunan,” Catacutan said.
Meanwhile, the winners of the different art contests for the month-long activity were also announced.