LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The valley launched its first La Trinidad Equality Expo aiming to give all local sectors a platform to shine.
Centering on the theme “Advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion,” the weeklong event brought a tapestry of residents under one roof at the municipal gymnasium. From Sangguniang Kabataan youth leaders and indigenous peoples to senior citizens, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), the gathering declared that local development cannot leave anyone behind.
“That is what our Equality Expo wants to convey,” Mayor Roderick Awingan emphasized during the opening. “There will be no vulnerable sector because everyone would now be a first-class citizen in the municipality of La Trinidad.”
The celebration kicked off on June 22 with a civic parade leading to the gymnasium. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-CAR) Regional Director Cecille Aguilar Basawil served as the guest speaker, underscoring that equality begins at the intersection of the family unit and local governance.
Throughout the week, the expo features a dozen stalls showcasing products from various local sectors, alongside free public services designed to reach every resident.
“No one should be sidelined. There is no second class, progress in La Trinidad is useless if any sector is left behind.” Awingan said, challenging local planners to consider all marginalized sectors during public project development to push for inclusion. The daily schedule targets specific sectoral needs:
Tuesday, June 23 (Human Rights and Solo Parents Day): The Municipal Health Services Office spearheaded free medical screenings for blood sugar, uric acid, and cholesterol. Concurrently, the JWAR area hosted free chest X-rays for residents aged 15 and above, while the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Baguio-Benguet Chapter mobilized local attorneys to provide free legal aid, including notarization and legal consultations. A dedicated PhilHealth desk was also available.
Wednesday, June 24 (LGBTQIA+ Day): Core health screenings and legal clinics continued alongside a free HIV screening drive open to all sectors. This mid-week push was bolstered by specialized community activities led by Project Namnama and the Department of Health (DOH-CAR).
Thursday, June 25 (Persons with Disabilities Day): The expo’s focus transitions toward structural accessibility and personal wellness. To mark the day, members of the PWD sector themselves are leading the workflow, providing free haircuts and wellness massages to attendees.
Friday, June 26 (Women’s and Youth Day): The town’s focus shifts toward targeted advocacy programs for women and youth empowerment. This day also marks the final opportunity for residents to access free family planning consultations provided by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP).
Saturday, June 27 (Indigenous Peoples and Senior Citizens Day): Serving as the culmination of the week’s events, the final day gives the community one last opportunity to browse the sectoral product booths, wrap up public health screenings, and utilize free legal consultation services.
The Equality Expo implements Ordinance No. 2, series of 2026, which institutionalizes the annual event. It was introduced and co-authored by Councilor Belmer Elis and backed by local leaders who mandated a framework designed to protect human dignity by strengthening equality, diversity, and inclusion in the municipality.
“We’re very happy that this month of June, [the expo] successfully happened here in La Trinidad,” Councilor Elis said. “So happy po kami that all the sectors are well represented because we want the La Trinidad Equality Expo [to include] not only one sector, not only two sectors, but as a whole because we want La Trinidad to advance on equality.” By John Larry “Lala Dy” A. Agtarap, UC Intern
