A total of 170 LGBTQIA+ community members and allies gathered in the Rainbow Care Caravan—a celebration of diversity and inclusivity aimed at advancing the welfare of gay lolos and lolas.
The Rainbow Care Caravan, anchoring the theme “Ang Araw na Itech ay Para Sayis (This Day is for You),” is a multisectoral effort initiated by the Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) to foster support for the elderly members of the LGBTQIA+ community in line with the Pride Month celebration.
“Ito po ay labor of love. Ito po ay itinawid natin para makapagbigay serbisyo sa ating mga mamamayan,” said PIA-NCR Regional Director Emver P. Cortez during the ceremonial launching of the Rainbow Care Caravan in the historic walled city, Intramuros, in Manila.
Among the public sector partners of the collective event, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) underscored the importance of government support in advocating for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in the aspect of healthcare. The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Information Officer Alvin Fidelson and RJ Alfonso attended the event.
“We believe that health is a universal right, and it should be accessible to all regardless of who you are, who you love, or how you identify yourself without any form of discrimination,” said PhilHealth NCR Regional Office Vice President Bernadette C. Lico.
This call for inclusive public service was also echoed by the Intramuros Administration (IA) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
“Here in the Intramuros Administration, we firmly stand with you. We believe in inclusivity and equal rights for all. It’s evident that everyone deserves equal opportunities and respect regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” said IA Administrator Atty. Joan M. Padilla in her speech.
“The National Capital Region Police Office extends its wholehearted support to the commendable initiative that embodies the spirit of unity, diversity, and inclusion within our community,” said PCOL Bogard Arao of the Community Affairs and Development Division, highlighting the shared commitment of the peacekeeping force to building stronger and more compassionate communities.
Also present at the Rainbow Care Caravan launch is Filipino actor and singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra, who expressed his support for the initiative of asserting the right of the LGBTQIA+ to a quality social life, especially with the help of government sectors.
“It’s very important for us, na mayroong suporta ng gobyerno. Maraming, maraming salamat sa mga sumuporta dito sa Rainbow Care Caravan. Simula pa lang sana ito ng better understanding, mas magandang pakikipag-ugnayan sa bawat isa,” said Seguerra.
The organization Golden Bekis, one of the stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Rainbow Care Caravan, extended its warm gratitude to all the allies of the community who helped them gain ground in progressive development.
“Maraming salamat po sa Philippine Information Agency at sa lahat po ng mga nakasalamuha namin. Utang po namin sa inyo ang aming mga hakbang na narating. Sa mga darating na panahon, sana magkaroon tayo ng isang lipunan kung saan hindi naiiwan ang mga maliliit at mga nakakalimutan.”
The services of the Rainbow Care Caravan include membership registration with PhilHealth, the issuance of police clearance, the provision of medical, dental, and legal services, as well as the distribution of contraceptives and other vital resources.
Some of the beneficiaries of the caravan also received wheelchairs through Lalamove Philippines. (ANTONIO)
