The 800-member Banaag LGBT declared its support to congressional aspirant Danny Atayde and the re-election bids of Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, standard bearers of Grupo Progreso.
Led by Lyndon Tupas, president of Banaag LGBT, an accredited non-government organization, the group threw its support behind the 12 GP candidates for councilor.
The group held a New Year get-together at the Acacia Hotel on Friday with attendees only limited to 750 to comply with the minimum health protocols.
Tupas said Banaag, which has established chapters in Bacolod’s 61 barangays, is backing Atayde for his integrity as a businessman, adding that their members are confident that the congressional bet will be able to contribute much to the city’s progress.
He also said that Banaag LGBT is confident in the leadership provided by Leonardia and Familiaran that ushered in a period of growth and economic dynamism in the last two years despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leonardia lauded Tupas’ group for their 15-0 campaign in favor of Grupo Progreso.
Today’s members of the LGBT community, the mayor said, are very fortunate because society now has recognized the important role they play in the community.
Society apparently has changed its attitude towards the LGBT community unlike in previous decades when acceptance of the group was an issue the mayor said.
Leonardia also turned over a P500,000 financial assistance to Banaag.
Tupas said the NGO will utilize the fund for its various programs, including HIV awareness campaigns, trainings and seminars, medical missions and outreach projects for the less- privileged, among others.
Atayde also thanked Banaag members for their declaration of support to his bid for Congress representing the Lone District of Bacolod.*