QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY) concluded Project GEIS (Gender Equality and Inclusion in Schools) Year 2 with its Equality Night event, “Slay the Night: The Rainbow Prom.”
The gathering brought together students, youth leaders, educators, and representatives from national agencies involved in promoting gender-inclusive education across the Philippines.
Senator Bam Aquino acknowledged PANTAY’s work in promoting gender equality, human rights, and and inclusive democracy in the Philippines. He expressed his commitment to supporting the organization’s efforts to promote dignity, respect, and equality in Philippine schools.
Leah T. Villalon, Executive Director of the National Youth Commission, emphasized the role of youth and cross-sector partnerships in promoting inclusive education. “Inclusive education takes youth who share their stories with honesty and hope, and partnerships like Project GEIS, where government, civil societies, and communities work side by side,” she said.
Atty. Elen Pasion, Undersecretary and Chairperson of the Presidential Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, Diversity, and Inclusion, affirmed her office’s support for Project GEIS and its goals across schools nationwide.
Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Learning Systems Janir Datukan highlighted the importance of safe learning spaces. “Ang mga eskwelahan ay dapat isang ligtas at mapagkalingang learning environment, isang espasyo na nagbibigay ng daan upang maipamalas nila ang tunay nilang kakayahan nang walang takot o pangangamba na mahusgahan,” he said.
Representatives from partner schools in Quezon City, Mandaue City, and Zamboanga City also took part in the event.
PANTAY Executive Director Rye Manuzon described Project GEIS as PANTAY’s “love letter to Philippine schools,” aimed at creating safer, more inclusive, and affirming learning environments for all students, especially LGBTIQ+ learners.
The project introduced the “Rainbow Tools: Rainbow Report Card,” a gender equality index for schools, and the “Rainbow School Kit,” which offers practical steps schools can take to meet the indicators outlined in the report card.
Project consultant Ava Co presented findings, noting that before the tools’ implementation, many schools tolerated LGBTIQ+ students without fully accepting them. “Across all institutions and stakeholder groups, the Rainbow Tools produced tangible improvements in school environments, demonstrating strong impact, broad applicability, and practical effectiveness,” she said.
The event concluded with a “Toast for Equality” led by PANTAY National Convenor Anna Cubacub. “This is the beginning of a wider, deeper, and lasting movement for inclusion in Philippine schools. With tools like the Rainbow Report Card and the Rainbow School Kit, we have already set in motion changes that will echo across classrooms, campuses, and communities nationwide,” she said.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Philippines supports Project GEIS Year 2, which the Commission on Human Rights helps implement.
