At the outset let me congratulate the organizers of this unique activity. The issue of LGBTs and their struggle against discrimination is a matter very close to my heart. Before I joined the House of Representatives as a legislator bearing the voice of marginalized women as represented by Gabriela Women's Party, I had helped organize lesbians in my home city, Davao. Their fight for acceptance by families in particular and by society in general is one that is most deserving of our support. It is a basic human right which must be upheld, a universal tenet that must be respected and an advocacy that must be pursued with commitment and dedication. This is the challenge for all of us, as individuals and as members of organizations. The fight of the LGBTs for their rightful place in this world is also our fight. Not only should we manifest our solidarity with them, we should take on with greater fervor their issues and concerns as an essential part of our own advocacies.

Once again, congratulations to the sponsors, the organizers and the participants.

Good afternoon.