Vice President Sara Duterte has recognized the LGBTQIA+ community’s transformative courage and contributions as Pride Month celebrations continue across the Philippines.

In a statement Monday, Duterte stressed that LGBT Filipinos bring “not only their exceptional talent and expertise, but a transformative courage that strengthens our families, enriches our communities, and elevates our government institutions.”

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

The Vice President acknowledged the challenges faced by many in the community, including “the sting of workplace discrimination, the barriers to equitable healthcare, and the silent battles with mental health that often come from persistent marginalization.”

She also cited that Pride serves as a reminder that shared humanity can heal these wounds.

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

Duterte stressed that democratic principles demand the protection of the most vulnerable.