IN celebration of Pride Month, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III during the weekend called for a society where every Filipino can live with equal dignity, respect, and opportunity and where no one is discriminated against because of their identity.
In a video message for the Isabela Pride Festival, Dy said Pride Month celebrates the courage to be true to oneself and serves as a reminder that every person has a place in society.
“Ngayong Pride Month, ipinagdiriwang natin ang tapang ng pagiging totoo sa sarili at ang karapatan ng bawat isa na mamuhay nang may dignidad, respeto, at pantay na oportunidad,” he said.
The leader of the House of Representatives said no one should experience discrimination or be looked down upon because respect for human dignity is a fundamental right.
“Anuman ang ating pinagmulan, paniniwala, o pagkakakilanlan, may lugar ang bawat isa sa ating lipunan,” he said.
“Walang sinuman ang dapat makaranas ng diskriminasyon o pangmamaliit sapagkat sa isang makatarungan at makabagong bansa, ang paggalang sa dignidad ng tao ay hindi pribilehiyo ng iilan kundi karapatan ng lahat.”
The Speaker from Isabela emphasized that true equality is achieved when every Filipino is given the opportunity to participate fully in society and pursue their aspirations without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
“Equality means ensuring that every person is seen, heard, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. When people are free to live authentically and contribute their talents without fear or prejudice, our communities become stronger, more compassionate, and more united,” said Dy.
The longtime public servant said equality begins with understanding, acceptance grows through compassion, and unity is built by recognizing the humanity of every person.
“Ang selebrasyon pong ito ay paalala na ang pagkakapantay-pantay ay nagsisimula sa pag-unawa, ang pagtanggap ay nagsisimula sa malasakit, at ang pagkakaisa ay nabubuo kapag kinikilala natin ang pagkatao ng bawat isa,” he said.
The House chief ended his message by greeting the LGBTQIA+ community and urging Filipinos to help build a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable future.
“Happy Pride Month po sa ating mga kapatid. Together, let us build a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable future for all. Maraming salamat po.”
