Davao City Holds First Pride ParadeDavao City Holds First Pride Parade The Davao city government hosted its inaugural Pride Parade, uniting approximately 8,000 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. Participants proudly marched from Roxas Avenue to San Pedro Square, showcasing their diversity, individuality, and rights. Many donned vibrant costumes that honored the rainbow flag, carrying signs that advocated for legalizing civil unions and challenging societal norms. The streets of San Pedro came alive with rainbow colors, floats, marching bands, drag queens, and performances by the newly crowned Reyna ng Dabaw and her court. Event organizer Harold Quibete expressed his overwhelming joy at the immense support from community members and their allies. The parade comprised 111 contingents, seven floats, and seven bands. Buhangin United Gender Alliance Support won for Largest Delegation and Most Lively Contingent, while Fabulous Amazing Beauties claimed Most Colorful Contingent. Raphael Emil Leo Ubarco, a participating resident, celebrated his pansexuality at the parade. He expressed gratitude for the government’s acknowledgment and support. The Pride March is a pivotal event during Pride Month, amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals, honoring their culture, and advocating for their rights. This year’s parade was part of the city’s Duaw Davao Summer Festival, which featured a range of events including music, sports, and cultural showcases. SunStar Davao’s coverage of the Duaw Davao Festival is sponsored by Santos Land Development Corporation, Converge, and Alsons Development.
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THE Davao city government organized its first Pride Parade, bringing together about 8,000 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community to celebrate their diversity, individuality and rights.
The participants marched proudly from Roxas Avenue to C. Bangoy Street, culminating at San Pedro Square.
Many dressed in costumes inspired by the rainbow flag and carried signs advocating causes such as “Legalize civil unions” and “You can’t pray away the gay in me.”
The streets of San Pedro were transformed with vibrant rainbow colors, accompanied by floats, marching bands, drag queens and performances by the newly crowned Reyna ng Dabaw and her court.
Event organizer Harold Quibete shared in a media interview on June 23, 2024 that he was overwhelmed by the immense support from community members, their families, friends, partners and allies.
The parade consisted of 111 contingents, seven floats and seven bands.
“I expected them all to be there, but they were happy to be able to unite the members of the LGBTQIA+ community today (we were pleasantly surprised by the turnout. It felt like everyone was throbbing with joy to see how united the LGBTQIA+ community is),” he said.
Community members not only had the opportunity to showcase their authenticity, but also competed for prizes. Buhangin United Gender Alliance Support won for Largest Delegation and Most Lively Contingent, while the Fabulous Amazing Beauties took home the award for Most Colorful Contingent.
For Raphael Emil Leo Ubarco, a 20-year-old resident, participating in this year’s parade was a celebration of his pansexuality. He expressed gratitude for the government’s role in embracing all citizens.
“I am very grateful for this government-organized event because it really shows their embrace of all their citizens within Davao City, and I am very grateful for that,” he said.
The Pride March is a cornerstone of Pride Month and aims to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ people, celebrate their culture, and stand up for their rights.
This year’s parade was part of the new Duaw Davao Summer Festival organized by the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO). The festival, which ran from June 21 to June 30, included events such as the Davao Music Fest, Duaw Davao SportsFest, Reyna ng Davao Coronation Night, Duaw Davao Pride Parade, Hugyaw Davao Night of Fun & Colors, Davao Tourismo Arts and Food Trucks Bazaar , Fiesta sa San Pedro: Paghiusayaw and the Duaw Davao Inter-Barangay MLBB Tournament.
SunStar Davao’s special coverage of the Duaw Davao Festival is brought to you in partnership with the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) and sponsored by Santos Land Development Corporation, Converge and Alsons Development. R.G.P
