THE Reyna ng Dabaw 2023 candidates highlight various relevant advocacies in a bid to win the city’s crown for transgender women.
Majority of the official 20 candidates advocate for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (Sogie) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) awareness.
“The Article 3 section 1 of the Bill of Rights stipulates the rights of the citizens, but it should be more specific with regards to the rights of every single citizen regardless of gender, race, Sogie, ethnicity or religion,” Rianne Calsa, one of the candidates of the pageant, said during the media launch on Monday, March 6, 2023 at the Acacia Hotel, Davao City.
Another candidate said Sogie and HIV lessons should be integrated in the basic education from elementary and secondary curriculum.
“It is important that we teach the children now when it comes to the basic concept of sex, health and disease, so that in the future, when they are in a relationship, they will be more responsible with their actions,” Eden Rian Rivera, another Reyna Dabawenya hopeful, said.
Rivera added that she’s ready to lead initiatives for her advocacy.
“I know it's hard, but if that means me taking the first lead to make a change, so be it,” she said.
Rexy Lastimosa said that due to the drastic increase of HIV cases in the country, she would intensify the awareness campaign to alleviate cases.
“As your advocate, I would like to emphasize these three fundamental things to alleviate this deadly dilemma. We have to improve HIV education, and educate the people about reproductive health and solidifying the act of morality, and third is an action, because it is not enough to spread the knowledge and solution, when people do take an action surely it will materialize,” she said.
While for Samantha Shane Mueller, she said that through organizing symposiums about HIV/Aids to different sectors helps promote Davao City as a safe place for people living with HIV/Aids.
Completing the list of 20 candidates are Nathalie Babao Ibabao, Penelope Mimi Arawiran, Sam Galima, Juvie Dejarme, Shane Zamora, Caswel Quijano, Georgia Tanduyan, Gretchen Marie Alngog, Keysi Guidotti, Dikko Lyam Morano, Maria Daizy Beronio, Chesca Marie Montes, Ahriana Nicole Aguitong, Shane Chessa Estrella, Sheila Magpale III, and Exur Pastor Rañoa
Meanwhile, the talent show of the pageant will be held at the Ayala Malls Abreeza on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 4:00 p.m., while the coronation night will be on March 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena, Davao City.