First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Tuesday led the inaugural National LGBTQIA+ Gathering 2026, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to equality, inclusion and sustained engagement with the LGBTQIA+ sector.
With the theme under “Pride in Unity: National LGBTQIA+ Gathering 2026,” the event gathered over 200 representatives from LGBTQIA+ organizations, civil society groups and community alliances nationwide.
The gathering was organized by the Office of the President (OP) – Social Secretary’s Office through the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs to strengthen collaboration and maintain dialogue between the government and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Araneta-Marcos hosted a simple luncheon reception for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The event underscored the Philippines’ position as a regional leader in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights, with the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs recognized as the first national-level government office in Southeast Asia.
The committee is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Among the objectives of the gathering are to strengthen government-community collaboration, recognize advocates and leaders, foster unity among organizations nationwide, and institutionalize the event as a regular platform for consultation and partnership.
Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs chairperson Undersecretary Elen Pasion thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing Executive Order (EO) 51, which established the panel.
Pasion said the issuance of EO 51 reflects the administration’s commitment to mainstream LGBTQIA+ rights and welfare in government policies, programs and activities.
“On behalf of the committee and the LGBTQIA+ community, we thank President Marcos for signing Executive Order No. 51. This is a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and responsive government,” Pasion said.
She said the committee is tasked to represent the sector, ensure integration of LGBTQIA+ concerns in government initiatives and establish a consultative mechanism to sustain engagement between the stakeholders and the state. (PNA)
