Empowering 76 Provinces: Grassroots Movement Unites Philippines

**Building Grassroots Support Across 76 Provinces: A Journey of Empowerment**

Across the stunning expanse of our 76 provinces, grassroots initiatives are taking root, fueled by open government efforts that empower communities from the Cordilleras down to Mindanao. As members of the queer Filipino community, we deeply understand the strength of our collective voices. It’s this unity that serves as our blueprint for meaningful change.

**Unlocking Opportunities through Open Government**

The Philippines’ journey with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has ignited a wave of grassroots momentum. In its inaugural year, 75 municipalities reaped the benefits of participatory budgeting funds, with guidance from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Picture the scene: bakla-led community organizations in rural Quezon or trans advocates in Baguio taking charge of budget decisions, this is where transparency meets compassion. By 2024, the DILG had trained over 24,000 community organizations, establishing desk officers in 1,451 local governments to amplify and honor our narratives in decision-making bodies.

**Transforming National Dreams into Local Actions**

Workshops on the New Urban Agenda have reached the far corners of our nation, touching all 76 provinces and 1,373 municipalities, encouraging a sense of ownership over the Sustainable Development Goals. In agriculture, the Department of Agriculture’s province-led system has seen 74 out of 76 provinces sign agreements by June 2025, uplifting local farmers, many of whom belong to our active queer rural kin. Members of OGP Local, such as the CSO Academy in South Cotabato, are coaching leaders to ensure that indigenous, women’s, and queer voices are integral to reforms.

**Celebrating Queer Bodies and Spirits through Sports and Wellness**

Grassroots sports programs shine a light on the desire for change from the ground up, even as challenges like underfunding remain in some provinces. Advocates are pushing for community centers and coach training, emphasizing the need for spaces where queer youth can flourish without fear of judgment. Dialogues in Cebu and Palawan are engaging Indigenous communities in discussions about extractive industries, promoting accountability to protect the lands we cherish.

**Your Role in the Grassroots Movement**

Life in the provinces can be tough, especially for the LGBTQ+ community, yet these initiatives offer a beacon of hope. Have you considered joining a local people’s council or attending an OGP forum? Start small, maybe by participating in a Dagyaw town hall or connecting with CODE-NGO. A self-care tip: build your support network, province by province. Together, we’re crafting resilience. *Kaya natin ‘to, one barangay at a time.*

This journey isn’t just about change; it’s about coming together and supporting a future where everyone thrives.

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