The vibrant People’s Park became a stage for empowerment as the reigning Reyna ng Davao 2025 Queen and her court, along with the 20 official candidates, spearheaded a community-centered advocacies on May 30, 2026.
Reyna ng Davao 2025 Chesca Marie Montes, together with her court, Nina Tanjay, Reyna ng Kapayapaan 2025, and Sophia Eyana, Reyna ng Pagkakaisa 2025 emphasized that their reign is beyond the glitz and glamour of the crown, it is rooted in service and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“It all boils down to LGBT Community, it is for LGBT community and for their welfare. I want everyone to know that we also need to be informed, to be empowered as well. Because, it is important for us to know our purpose. I know that becoming a queen, a reyna doesn’t really mean that you just have a crown in your head but, you have to live your purpose together with my reyna sisters,” Montes said.
The day’s program was anchored on advocacy-driven initiatives such as HIV education session and testing giving participants access to free health services, while SOGIESC awareness, mental health support and transgender health education awareness sessions opened conversations, encouraging resilience and care.
Willenito P. Tormis Jr., Officer-in-Charge of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) told the City Information Office that the queens’ influences extend far beyond the pageant stage, noting that they are empowered not only to be seen but to be heard.
“Ang atoang gina hope gyud nga after ani, madaog man sila or dili, they can be the voices sa nagka lain lain nga barangay. Sila mismo ang muingon didto unsay natun’an nila. Kay this year, ang atong focus is visible in every voice. So, karon gina empower gyud nato sila na dili lang sila maging visible but sila gyud ang boses sa katawhan ug sa LGBT community. They can give more than what they have which is ang crown (What we truly hope is that after this, whether they win or not, they can become the voices in their respective barangays. They themselves will be the ones to share what they have learned. Because this year, our focus is visible in every voice. So now, we are empowering them not just to be visible, but to be the voices of the people and of the LGBT community. They can give more than just what the crown represents),” he said.
Angel Montenegro, one of the participants, also expressed her gratitude for the event, hoping that the advocacy campaigns would continue to inspire others and embrace knowledge as a bridge towards solidarity and unity in the community.
“I’ve learned a lot of advocacies like HIV, transition for transgender and this is very helpful for our community. So, I’m happy to participate since I learned so much today,” she added. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar