A proposed ordinance seeks to institutionalize the LGBTQIA+ Official-for-a-Day Program as an annual activity during Pride Month, providing members of the LGBTQIA+ community with opportunities to participate in local governance, develop leadership skills, and gain firsthand exposure to public administration and policy-making.
Under the proposed measure,, the City Government shall establish the LGBTQIA+ Official for a Day Program as an annual activity to be conducted every June in celebration of Pride Month. The program seeks to provide qualified members of the LGBTQIA+ community with firsthand exposure to local governance, policymaking, and public service through participation in the activities of city government offices.
The ordinance declares it a policy of the city government to uphold equality, inclusivity, diversity, and meaningful participation of all sectors in governance. It recognizes the contributions of members of the LGBTQIA+ community and affirms their right to engage in public affairs and community development free from discrimination.
Under the program, selected participants shall temporarily assume, in a ceremonial, educational, and participatory capacity, the roles of elective and appointive city officials for one day. Positions that may be assigned include the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, Councilors, department heads, and other positions that may be identified by the City Mayor. The designation, however, shall not grant participants any legal authority, compensation, or powers reserved for duly elected or appointed officials.
The proposed ordinance identifies several objectives for the program including increasing awareness and understanding of local governance and public administration, encouraging civic engagement and public service among LGBTQIA+ individuals, developing leadership skills, promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity, providing a venue for discussing issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, and strengthening collaboration between the city government and LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Applicants must be members of the LGBTQIA+ community, at least 18 years old, bona fide residents of Baguio City for at least one year, possess good moral character, and demonstrate involvement in community, academic, professional, or advocacy activities. Additional qualifications may be prescribed by the Selection Committee.
The ordinance also proposes the creation of a Selection Committee composed of representatives from the Office of the City Mayor, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Human Resource Management Office, City Gender and Development Focal Point System, and community Pride leaders. The committee shall be responsible for establishing selection criteria, screening procedures, application requirements, and program guidelines.
Program activities may include orientations on local governance and public administration, office immersion and shadowing activities, participation in meetings and consultations, leadership and governance workshops, policy dialogue sessions with city officials, and the presentation of recommendations concerning LGBTQIA+ issues and concerns.
The measure provides that the program shall be conducted annually every last Monday of June as part of the city’s official Pride Month observance. The city government may also organize complementary activities such as public forums, advocacy campaigns, leadership summits, cultural presentations, and recognition programs that celebrate the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals to the development of Baguio City.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office, through the City Gender and Development Focal Point System, shall serve as the lead implementing office and shall coordinate with concerned city government offices, educational institutions, and accredited LGBTQIA+ organizations to ensure the effective implementation of the program.
The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council on June 22, 2026 and was subsequently referred to the Committee on Ethics, Governmental Affairs, and Personnel for review. – Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod
