Today, the City of Zamboanga ends the long history of discrimination and exclusion, as Mayor Beng Climaco together with Vice Mayor Atty. Meng Agan signs into effect the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, after having been lobbied and despite being pending for 2 years; and after having gone through a stringent process of debate and interpellations. Today truly is a momentous day for those whose rights were abridged because of race, color, civil and social status, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, language, religion, national or social origin, culture and ethnicity, property, birth or age, disability and health status, creed and ideologies, and physical appearance. This success is a testament that persistence in the face of adversity can spark change. Mujer LGBT Organization, Inc., with the leadership of Ms. Alvin ''Toni gee'' Fernandez, is immensely grateful to those whose support remained unwavering, especially Hon. Lilibeth Macrohon Nuño, who has always been a major instigating force in propelling the ordinance to the place where it is now. It is a long and arduous road ahead, but it would not hurt to look back and appreciate the trail we once thought we could not blaze. Indeed, there is hope for our motherland!

previously:

Anti-discrimination ordinance passes final reading in Zamboanga City; awaits mayor’s signature Zamboanga joins the growing number of local government units that now has an anti-discrimination ordinance.

By Kiki Tan

The 1st class highly urbanized city in the Zamboanga Peninsula of the Philippines, Zamboanga, joins the growing number of local government units (LGUs) that now has an anti-discrimination ordinance (ADO). As helmed by Hon. Lilibeth Macrohon Nuño, the ADO passed the third and final reading at the Sangguniang Panglunsod of the City of Zamboanga on October 6. Read more via Outrage