The local government units (LGUs) of Damulog, Bukidnon, and Mandaue City are committed to their respective campaigns to improve the lives of the youth and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities.
Interviewed during DILG sa DZRH Breaktime on Wednesday, June 26, Damulog Bukidnon Mayor Melvin Buro proudly introduced their municipality's campaign against illegal drugs called Buhay ay Ingatan Drug ay Ayawan.
The said campaign has led to a short film festival narrating real-life events from former drug abusers.
"Hangarin po naming mapalakas ang mga kamalayan ng publiko tungkol sa masamang epekto sa paggamit ng ipinagbabawal na gamot at hinihikayat ang komunidad na maging aktibo sakampanya laban sa droga," said Buro.
"Sa pamamagitan po ng short film festival, nais po namin ipakita ang tunay na kuwento ng mga indibidwal at pamilya na naapektuhan ng droga pati na rin po ang positibong pagbabago sa kanilang buhay matapos lumayo sa masamang bisyo," he added.
Buro noted that short films aim to inspire people in their community to get rid of drugs, as they may only destroy their lives and the lives of those around them.
The short film entry Ang Duwag won the competition with the story of drug abuse that led the main character's life into tragedy, impacting his family.
As a result of the positive impacts of the campaign, the LGU of Damulog has received an award from the National Anti-Drug Abuse Council for Performance and the Seal of Good Local Governance 2023 from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
"Lahat ng programa ay hindi magiging posible kung wala ang suporta ng community," Buro remarked.
Meanwhile, Atty. Atty. Regal Oliva, the City Treasurer and LGBTQ Champion of Mandaue City shared their campaign for the LGBTQ community highlighting equal rights in their LGU.
Mandaue City is the first city outside Metro Manila to have passed the LGBTQ code, or the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, fully accepting and fully giving rights to LGBTQ people.
"LGBTQ people are not asking for special privileges naman sa community o gobyerno. Ang ating pinaglaban ay equal rights because gay rights or LGBT rights are human rights," said Oliva.
Oliva noted that their campaign has been running for 10 years since 2014 and is functional, as they are imposing and enacting the ordinance to the best of their ability.
Among Oliva's examples is the LGBTQ community using restrooms based on their gender preferences.
In Mandaue City, Oliva said discrimination against LGBTQ people will be punishable. A safe space for them is also provided under the Bawal Bastos Law.
Aside from promoting equal rights, LGBTQ people who are below the poverty line are also being given livelihoods such as training in the fashion and beauty industry and other vocational courses.
"I believe it will give them empowerment, especially when they give them a proper livelihood in their communities," said Oliva.
Oliva said that the ordinance would not be possible without the support of Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Vice-mayor Glenn Ouano Bercede.
