13/07/2026
2026 Pride Month Celebration Highlights Inclusion and Equality
Gulang-Gulang National High School–Domoit Extension celebrated its 2026 Pride Month on June 28 at Nawawalang Paraiso Resort and Hotel in Tayabas City with the theme, "DepEd's Pride: Where Every Identity Belongs." The celebration brought together learners, teaching, and non-teaching personnel in support of a more inclusive school community and featured an inspiring discussion by Ms. Sid Trojan R. Salvo, President of LGBTQIA+ Quezon Province Pride, who emphasized the importance of respect, acceptance, and equal opportunities for all.
Ms. Salvo discussed important topics focusing on the creation of a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity, background, or personal characteristics. The discussion emphasized that every individual deserves to feel respected, valued, accepted, heard, and included in the community.
The first topic highlighted was “Developing Inclusive Behaviors and Communication.” Ms. Salvo emphasized that inclusion begins through everyday actions and interactions. She explained that simple acts such as greeting others warmly, listening attentively, respecting different opinions, encouraging participation, and showing empathy can significantly contribute to creating a sense of belonging. The discussion also emphasized the importance of inclusive communication by using respectful language, avoiding discriminatory remarks, and ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to express themselves.
The speaker also discussed the role of gender-sensitive communication in promoting fairness and dignity. Participants were reminded to avoid stereotypes and assumptions related to gender roles and to recognize the importance of respecting individual identities. Teachers and school personnel were encouraged to serve as role models by practicing inclusive behaviors and demonstrating respect in their daily interactions.
The second topic focused on “Building a Welcoming Environment for Learners and Personnel.” Ms. Salvo explained that a welcoming environment is one where people feel safe, respected, supported, and valued. She highlighted that schools should become spaces where diversity is recognized and where all individuals are given fair opportunities to participate and succeed.
The discussion further explored the importance of the Gender and Development (GAD) perspective in promoting equality, eliminating discrimination, and ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity. Ms. Salvo shared that creating inclusive spaces requires collective effort from teachers and non-teaching personnel through respectful communication, fair treatment, encouragement of participation, and support for those who may feel excluded.
The final topic discussed was “Preventing Discrimination, Bullying, and Harassment.” Ms. Salvo emphasized that schools must remain safe spaces where learners and employees are protected from harmful behaviors. She explained the differences between discrimination, bullying, and harassment and discussed their negative effects on individuals, including reduced confidence, emotional distress, poor performance, and unhealthy relationships.
Participants were encouraged to become proactive in preventing these behaviors by using respectful language, addressing inappropriate actions, promoting understanding, and reporting incidents through proper channels. The speaker highlighted that everyone has a responsibility to help maintain a school environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive.
The activity concluded with a reflection on the importance of individual commitment in promoting diversity and inclusion. Participants were encouraged to apply the lessons learned by practicing kindness, respect, empathy, and fairness in their respective workplaces and communities.
Overall, the discussion of Ms. Sid Trojan R. Salvo contributed significantly to the success of the 2026 Pride Month Celebration. It strengthened awareness of the importance of inclusivity, gender sensitivity, and respect for diversity, reinforcing the message that in DepEd, every identity belongs.
After the insightful discussion led by Ms. Sid Trojan R. Salvo, President of LGBTQIA+ Quezon Province Pride, the participants actively engaged in the GAD Team Building Activity designed to strengthen teamwork, collaboration, communication, and camaraderie among teachers and personnel.
The team-building games served as an avenue for participants to apply the values of inclusion, respect, and cooperation discussed during the session. The activities encouraged everyone to participate, work together, and appreciate the different strengths and contributions of each team member.
One of the games conducted was a team coordination activity involving a large ball, where participants worked together to keep the ball moving and prevent it from falling. The activity required focus, communication, and synchronized movements among team members. Through this challenge, participants realized the importance of cooperation and collective effort in achieving a common goal.
Another activity involved a group relay game that tested teamwork and strategic planning, where participants collaborated to successfully complete the challenge. The game highlighted the importance of trust, patience, active participation, and encouraging one another despite differences in abilities and approaches.
The GAD Team Building Activity promoted a positive and inclusive atmosphere where teachers and personnel were able to interact beyond their usual work roles. It fostered stronger relationships, improved teamwork, and reinforced the idea that diversity becomes a strength when everyone is given the opportunity to participate and contribute.
The activities concluded with participants recognizing that building an inclusive community does not only happen through discussions and policies but also through meaningful interactions, cooperation, and everyday actions that promote respect and belonging.
Overall, the team-building activities complemented the objectives of the 2026 Pride Month Celebration with the theme “DepEd's Pride: Where Every Identity Belongs” by creating an environment where every participant felt valued, included, and empowered.
✍Dyan Lyn H. Alabastro, GAD Focal Person
📹Veejay N. Corpuz, ICT Coordinator
Layout: Cristina E. Holgado, SIC
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