15/03/2026
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LGBTQIA+ Presidents and SK Officials from the eight municipalities of the 2nd District of Iloilo came together for the SAFE MINDS: Youth and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Empowerment Training held last March 14, 2026 at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloiloโa meaningful gathering of youth and community leaders committed to promoting mental health awareness and support.
Through this initiative, participants deepened their understanding of the Wheel of Well-Being, strengthened self-awareness, and learned valuable tools such as psychosocial processing, Psychological First Aid, grounding techniques, and helping skillsโequipping them to better support friends, fellow youth, and community members experiencing distress.
The training also became a space for collaboration between Sangguniang Kabataan leaders and LGBTQIA+ community leaders, highlighting the importance of collective action in creating safe and supportive communities.
Representing LUPAD LGBTQIA+ New Lucena Chapter were Hon. Marc Bryan G. Pastrana I, Municipal President, and Mr. Francis Louie R. Brillantes, Municipal Vice President, who joined fellow leaders from across the district in strengthening their capacity to advocate for mental health and community care.
This empowering initiative was made possible through the support of Congresswoman Doc Kathy Gorriceta and Former Congressman Michael "Mike" B. Gorriceta, whose continued commitment to youth and LGBTQIA+ empowerment creates opportunities for leaders to grow, learn, and serve their communities better.