Catanduanes Pride: SIKLAB Event Empowers Local LGBT Youth

Quick Take: Catanduanes continues to shine as a beacon of LGBT empowerment, with SIKLAB 2025 drawing in local youth for a day of unapologetic pride, solidarity, and advocacy. The event, fresh off the press on July 3, 2025, is being hailed as a critical milestone in the province’s journey toward inclusivity and queer visibility.

Raising the Rainbow Flag in Catanduanes

This year’s SIKLAB, the official name of the province’s Pride Month festivities, isn’t just another rainbow-colored spectacle, it stands for “Sama-samang Ipinagdiriwang ang Karapatang Lumaya at Magpakatotoo,” translating to “Collectively Celebrating the Right to Freedom and Authenticity.” The event, hosted by the Provincial Local Youth Development Office, took over the Provincial Capitol Dome with lively activities designed to empower LGBT youth and support understanding within the wider community. The day began with IncluSiklab at 8:00 AM, followed by the show-stopping RampaSiklaban: Pride Parade in the afternoon, and wrapped up with the dynamic PUKSAAN: Drag Race Competition, ensuring the celebration was equal parts activism and artistry (see official event listing).

More Than a Party, A Platform for Progress

At its heart, SIKLAB is about community-building, advocacy, and education. While the sequins and choreography might grab attention, the driving force is the province’s commitment to LGBT rights. This year’s slogan, “Be here, be queer,” captures the shift toward open visibility and unapologetic pride. SIKLAB is the product of sustained government and grassroots efforts; since 2022, the province has prioritized LGBT inclusion, from financial assistance to annual programming, all spearheaded by the proactive Youth Development Office (read more about the impact here).

Local Youth Find Their Voice

For many attendees, SIKLAB isn’t just a celebration, it’s a lifeline. LGBT youth who often face isolation in rural provinces now have a space to connect, tell their stories, and find role models. Former Governor Joseph Cua summed it up at a previous SIKLAB: “You are seen, you are heard, you are recognized!” It’s a powerful message in a region where queer youth still grapple with stigma.

The Spark of Something Bigger

SIKLAB is quickly building a reputation as the province’s go-to platform for advocacy, blending celebration with social change. With each passing year, Catanduanes’ Pride celebration is setting the bar higher for youth empowerment and LGBT acceptance in the region. Whether you marched, applauded the drag queens, or just watched from the sidelines, one thing is clear: Catanduanes’ queer youth are here, and they’re sparking a movement that’s impossible to ignore.

Share your thoughts in the comments below, what does Pride mean to you this year?