A DAY to celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community has been approved in the Municipality of Itogon in Benguet.
The Municipal Council of Itogon passed an ordinance declaring March 9 of every year as LGBT day, with author Councilor Gerard Cornel saying the move seeks to uphold and recognize the rights of every Filipinos.
Cornel said the ordinance is "in support to the present local administration's aim to end all forms of discrimination against the LGBT-Community."
Under the ordinance, members of the LGBT community in the town must organize programs and activities including public forum discussing the important role of LGBT, symposiums of exhibits showcasing the LGBT art, creativity, talents and skills.
Programs and activities must also include the conduct of voluntary civic works in the barangays with the local government and barangays enjoined to actively support the LGBT community prior to the celebration of the LGBT day.
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office is tasked as the lead office in the monitoring and evaluation of the programs and projects.
The new law seek to appropriate the amount of P50,000 from the 2020 Annual General Fund Budget.
On Monday, the municipal ordinance was referred to the appropriate committee of the Benguet Provincial Board.