Iloilo Pride March celebrates authenticity, calls for equality

ILOILO CITY — Benigno Aquino Avenue, affectionately known to locals as Diversion Road, was transformed into a sea of rainbow colors on Saturday evening as hundreds of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies marched to celebrate Pride Month.

The colorful march was one of the highlights of “Price Pyesta Sadya 2026,” a grand celebration organized by the Iloilo City Office of LGBT Affairs at SM City Iloilo Southpoint. But beyond the vibrant displays, the event was anchored by a firm and emotional call for human dignity and equal rights.

Gab Umadhay, director of the Iloilo City Office of LGBT Affairs, delivered a rousing address that set the tone for the evening, reminding the crowd that Pride is both a celebration and a continuing fight for visibility and acceptance.

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“For many years, we know how it feels to be silenced… to hide parts of ourselves,” Umadhay told the cheering crowd. “But now, look at us. Look at how we shine so brightly, because we have found our community. Today we celebrate not just the rainbow, but our identity and our rights as persons.”

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READ: Pride Month 2026: Love, Loud and Proud

The message shifted the narrative from mere acceptance to unapologetic self-expression.

“Many of us now understand that what we are shouting for here are not privileges. What we claim are not special rights, but rather the dignity that should be afforded to every person in this room. We no longer accept mere tolerance,” Umadhay declared. “Gone are the days when we are sorry for existing. Gone are the moments when we apologize because we make others feel uncomfortable.”

This spirit of self-expression was at the heart of this year’s theme, “Sadya,” which stands for Speak and Declare Your Authenticity.

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The festival showcased the talent and creativity of the local LGBTQIA+ community, featuring nine candidates competing for the title of SOGIESC Ambassador 2026, along with electrifying performances by eight of Iloilo City’s top drag performers.

The celebration was strongly supported by local officials, underscoring Iloilo City’s reputation as a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Among those who attended were Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, Iloilo Vice Governor Le Ann Debuque, and several city councilors.

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READ: Religious protesters, celebrities draw attention at Pride March 2026

Umadhay expressed deep gratitude to the allies who have supported the community’s progress—from parents and friends who stand by their loved ones to public officials who champion legislation protecting LGBTQIA+ rights.

“We have politicians who champion our legislation, cementing our voices, ensuring that whatever happens, we are here, we are queer, and we are not going anywhere,” Umadhay said, rallying the crowd with the popular chant, “Makibeki!”

READ: Religious protesters, celebrities draw attention at Pride March 2026

Before the program concluded, Umadhay paid tribute to the “Pride champions” who came before them and fought for the simple right to live openly and hold hands in public, reminding the younger generation of the sacrifices that paved the way for today’s gains.

“We are proud to stand here today because the government has allowed us to be who we are,” Umadhay said.

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She left the marchers with the message: “Please remember when you are marching in the streets of Iloilo… be proud, be loud, and be unforgivingly who you are. This is the chance we get to stand and be who we are without asking for forgiveness. Speak and declare your authentic self!” /das