“For the battle of equality, big or small, I know na hanggang may isang tao na naninindigan at sumusuporta, progress is being made.”

Prisma President Xyrel James Canonoy said during his closing remarks for Pasay City National Science High School’s culminating activity for the 2024 Virtual Pride Festival celebration organized by the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG), Kalakbay, and Prisma yesterday, June 28.

The event was hosted by SSLG Grade 11 Representative Remmy Parcia and Vice President Elyzza Esteban.

The activity began with a prayer and a nationalistic song via an audio-visual presentation.

Participants registered and joined an icebreaker session through Mentimeter.

SSLG President Sofia Yamamoto delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing that Pride Month is not just a celebration but a movement toward a society where everyone, regardless of gender expression, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, can thrive.

“Until then, let us continue to fight for their rights, speak for the voiceless, and foster a community where everyone feels safe,” she added.

The event included awarding ceremonies for various contests.

In the essay writing competition, Erich Laminoza won third place, Carl Carasco won second place, and Chloe Cristobal won first place.

The quiz bee winners were Janiree Sanchez in third place, Stephen Gabor in second place, and Carl Carasco in first place.

For the Pride Spotify playlist making, Janiree Sanchez won third place, Althea Ventur won second place, and Lara De Leon won first place.

In the poster making competition, Peter Bien and Gweneviere Garcia won third place, Xaine Ching won second place, and Rianne Lopez won first place.

Eithan Mozo won first place in the meme-making competition.

Another icebreaker session via Mentimeter was followed by the awarding of participating organizations, including SSLG, Kalakbay, Booklat, Atelier de PaScian, Bayani, Batang Emergency Response Team (BERT), Barkada Kontra Droga, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, The Euclidean, Galaw Siyensya, Glee Club, Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, KMAF, Le Compendium, Red Cross Youth, Sentience, PaScian Sports Club, The Quantum, Wash in Schools – PaSci, and Youth For Environment in Schools Organization – PaSci.

“Nangangako kami na na magkakaroon ng isang mundong malaya sa diskriminasyon, kung saan ang kanilang potensyal at abilidad ay makakalipad ng higit pa sa saklaw ng kanilang imahinasyon.” said Kalakbay President May Relyn Depaz as she led the “Oath to Empower.”

Xyrel Canonoy delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to everyone who supported the event.

“More than anything, this event is a statement that Pasay City National Science High School, through big or small actions, supports inclusivity and diversity, and we have a long battle to fight and events like this remind us of the power we hold together,” he stated.