The SUMIKOM one of the support groups under the Guidance Services and Wellness Center participated in RAMPA! AWRA!: Pride Parade 2026, held last June 27, 2026, joining fellow advocates, organizations, and allies in a vibrant display of solidarity, inclusivity, and collective action for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Representing the SUMIKOM were Mx. Stephen Real, Chairman of SUMIKOM, Mx. Alyzza Tolentino, Vice Chair of SUMIKOM, and Mr. JohnFrey Cabalonga, Adviser of SUMIKOM, and other members of the SUMIKOM support group. Their participation reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promote diversity, inclusion, and the protection of the rights and welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The event began with a parade from Casa Vallejo, making its way down to Malcolm Square. Although rain poured during the first few hours of the march, the weather did not dampen the spirit of the participants. The community continued to march with pride and determination, proving that no storm could silence their call for equality and justice. More than a colorful procession, the Pride Parade served as a rally and a collective fight for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. It stood as a reminder that Pride is not only for the LGBTQIA+ community, but also for women, men, and every individual who believes in human dignity, equal rights, and freedom from discrimination.
The event was further strengthened by the presence of leaders from the City Government of Baguio. On behalf of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, his wife participated in the parade, while Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and Atty./Councilor Paolo Raynor Salvosa also joined the march, demonstrating their support for the LGBTQIA+ community and its continuing advocacy for equality and inclusion.
Following the parade, the program officially commenced with energetic performances from Queer Queens and Allies, who set the tone for the celebration while also sharing and promoting their respective advocacies.
The University of the Cordilleras was represented by Mx. Roxanne Gupta, Miss UC 2026, an ally of the community, who emphasized the university’s message that “Pride continues even after Pride Month,” highlighting that inclusivity, respect, and equality should be celebrated and practiced every day. Participating organizations were likewise given the opportunity to present their initiatives and programs in partnership with university councils and other institutions. They shared their efforts in creating safer spaces, sustaining support systems, and protecting students and members of the community through policies and programs that uphold diversity, inclusivity, and equality.
RAMPA! AWRA!: Pride Parade 2026 ultimately embodied a dual purpose — a celebration of identity and a protest against the systemic injustices faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. It continues to serve as a vital platform that demands equal protection under the law, accountability from institutions, and the advancement of anti-discrimination policies that ensure the rights and dignity of every person. Through its participation, the SUMIKOM Support Group reaffirmed that Pride is not merely a one-day celebration but an ongoing movement toward a society where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can live with equality, safety, and pride.
