THE World Bank defines social inclusion as "the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society -- improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity."
For this first staging of the Reyna Davaoeña, the organizers and the candidates are calling for social inclusion.
“Officially, one of our hashtags is social inclusion, which is one of our major project ng LGBT community because ang isang aim namin is to be included in our society,” Emmanuel Babao, organizer of the event, said during the press presentation of the candidates at Green Windows Hotel on Monday, March 4.
Likewise, the Reynas' advocacies mainly focus on improving the lives of those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) community. While the Philippines is generally friendly towards the community, those who identify themselves as members of the LGBTQ still face discrimination in Philippine society.
However, they are not the only ones who are in need of opportunities to take part in society. Other groups of people like the persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the indigenous peoples are also in need of better opportunities to take part in society.
When it comes to workplaces, not many opportunities are there for PWDs. However, it can be noted that organizations and even companies have taken steps to provide new opportunities for the PWDs.
As for the indigenous peoples, more efforts are needed to improve their lives. For example, the Badjaos at Isla Verde in Barangay 23-C are not living in the best conditions. There are still issues on sanitation. People also still discriminate them for how they are. While there are assistance given to help other tribes in the city, more has yet to be done for the Badjaos. It would be great if better educational opportunities are given to them. Not only for the Badjao kids but also adults who want to learn.
There are still groups and individuals in the society that need better opportunities to be part of the society they are in. Opening opportunities for them is not limited to the government. Those in the private sector may also open new opportunities for these people.