The UP Open University (UPOU), through the Office of Gender Concerns (OGC), led the culminating activity of the Pride Month Celebration with the “Wear Your Pride! Pride Walk Event” held on 25 June 2025 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. Garbed in vibrant colors, faculty, staff, students, and partners came together in a powerful show of solidarity and inclusivity.
Chancellor Joane V. Serrano welcoming the participants of Wear Your Pride
In her opening message, Chancellor Joane V. Serrano warmly welcomed the participants, emphasizing that the Pride Walk was more than just a symbolic march—it was a moment to reflect on and reaffirm UPOU’s values of inclusivity, equity, and respect for diverse gender identities. She expressed UPOU’s continuing commitment to being not only a virtual university but also a caring and inclusive community where all individuals are safe, seen, and celebrated.
The event began with a health-conscious warm-up session and initial health check-ups at the UPOU Centennial Plaza. The participants then proceeded on a march from the UPOU Centennial Plaza to the UPOU Oblation Plaza and returned via the The Walk where a short program was held.
The program featured solidarity messages from key partners and gender allies. Ms. Judy Mae G. Recto, Head of Human Resources of the Department of Science and Technology – Region IV-A (CALABARZON), started with a message of support, followed by a message from the UPLB Gender Center, both highlighting the calls for more inclusive educational institutions and beyond.
Lastly, Asst. Prof. Edmerson Calungsod, a member of the UPOU Wellness, Healthy Lifestyle, and Sports Committee and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, shared his personal journey of feeling the need to excel to “shield” his identity and gain acceptance. He spoke of UPOU’s inclusive environment, where he no longer feels the need to carry that shield and is free to be his authentic self.
Asst. Prof. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe delivering her closing remarks
To close the program, OGC Director, Asst. Prof. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe delivered a heartfelt reminder to everyone that the spirit of Pride should not be limited to the month of June but also be carried forward every day—in actions, advocacy, and awareness.
This culminating event not only celebrated the vibrant spectrum of gender identities within the UPOU community but also reaffirmed the university’s steadfast commitment to being a gender-transformative institution—dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment that champions equality, respect, and care for all.
Written by: Xandra Villareal | Edited by: Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe, Anna Cañas-Llamas