Vice President Sara Duterte praised the courage and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community in a statement released Monday in celebration of Pride Month, highlighting their impact on families, communities, and government institutions.

“This courage—to live truthfully despite obstacles—ripples beyond individual lives. It challenges our entire society to embrace honesty, authenticity, and inclusion in all that we do,” she added.

The Vice President also acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, including workplace discrimination, limited access to equitable healthcare, and mental health struggles resulting from persistent marginalization.

“I acknowledge with deep respect the burdens many of you carry: the sting of workplace discrimination, the barriers to equitable healthcare, and the silent battles with mental health that often come from persistent marginalization,” she said.

According to Duterte, Pride Month serves as a reminder to all Filipinos of their shared humanity and its power to heal.

“It stands as living proof that our diversity is not a weakness to overcome, but a wellspring of resilience and creativity. The liberty to be oneself fully is a truth that the next generation of Filipinos will inherit and strengthen,” she said.

She also emphasized that protecting LGBTQIA+ rights is crucial to upholding democratic values.

“Our democratic principles demand that we protect our most vulnerable. When we safeguard LGBT rights, we reinforce the foundations upon which all our freedoms rest,” Duterte added.

The Vice President called on all Filipinos to build a more inclusive Philippines—“where diversity is recognized not as incidental, but essential to our national character.”

“Where human dignity needs no justification. Where the courage to face adversity is honored as the highest expression of Filipino resilience,” she said.

Meanwhile, Duterte is expected to attend KASARILAYAAN, the Office of the Vice President’s annual Pride Reception, on Wednesday, 25 June, in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

KASARILAYAAN is held in celebration of Pride Month and in recognition of ongoing efforts toward inclusivity, equality, and the empowerment of the LGBTQIA+ community.

This year’s event will gather LGBTQIA+ community leaders, advocates, and allies at the Laus Group Event Centre, LGC Boulevard, Laus Group Complex, Jose Abad Santos Avenue, San Fernando City.