“Sa Lungsod ng Biñan, anuman ang kasarian, may puwang sa lipunan.”
That was the central message of the city government of Biñan, Laguna at the recent launching of the city’s Gender and Development Agenda (GAD) last August 1.
The “Paglulunsad ng GAD Agenda 2025-2028: Kasarian, Karapatan at Kaunlaran,” held at the Biñan People’s Center, was spearheaded by Mayor Gel Alonte, Gender and Development Office (GAD) head Dr. Arlene Alonte-Ancheta, former Biñan City Representative Len Alonte, and other city officials.
Also present as guests of honor are actress Iza Calzado and Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman, who made history as the first transgender member of Congress.
With the theme “Sari-Saring Anyo, Iisa ang Lakas: Gabay sa Ekwalidad ng Lipunang Biñanense,” the event aims to highlight the goal of promoting gender equality and inclusivity for all Biñanenses, as stated in Mayor Alonte’s 10-point agenda.
Among those aims, as specified in Alonte's first executive order issued last June 30, include the integration of GAD principles in the city's programs and planning; supporting safe spaces and responsive services for women, the elderly, and the LGBTQIA+ community; establishing protection systems for survivors of abuse and providing psychosocial support for them; and promoting inclusive participation in the city's governance, cultural life, and economic development.
“Ito ay simula ng isang malinaw at konkretong hakbang tungo sa mas inklusibo, pantay, at makataong pamahalaan," the local city executive emphasized in his message during the event.
“Kasama po ninyo ang inyong ‘Tatak GEL’ sa pagbuo ng mga programa na talagang #TatakEpektibo na magtataguyod ng isang Biñan na may pagkilala at paggalang sa bawat isa, ano man ang anyo o kasarian,” he added.
In her own message, Representative Roman also highlighted the vital role of each Biñanense, no matter what their “orientation” in life are, in creating a more inclusive future for the city.
"Ang dugong Biñanense ay dugo ng sipag, pangarap, at pag-asa. Sa bawat hakbang ng pagkakapantay-pantay, dala ko ang tapang at tibay ng aking pinanggalingan," she stressed.
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