๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: ๐๐๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ
Fluttering rainbow flags, engaging cultural performances, and powerful stories of resilience stole the spotlight as Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) conducted its annual Inclusion and Diversity Festival on 10-11 April that brought together LGBTQIA+ advocates,ย Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and international students.
Spearheaded by the Student Inclusion Unit from the Office of Student Services and Development (OSSD), Gender and Development (GAD) office, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Student Placement Office (SPO), and Supreme Student Council (SSC), the two-day event kicked off with interactive sessions and performances that provided avenues to foster awareness of various communities and to create safe and inclusive society.
The event fostered awareness and belonging through the insights of national leaders and advocates, including Atty. Chel Diokno who presented virtually. Onsite, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Former DA Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan, Raf Dionisio of MAD Travel, and Dax Simbol of Tarlac Provincial Tourism empowered voices, celebrated diverse identities, and motivated advocates at the TAU - Student and Alumni Center Amphitheater.ย
The forum revolved on accessibility, solo parenting, IP rights, and gender inclusion which served not only as calls to action, but also as affirmations that true progress is rooted in empathy, equity, and unity.
Meanwhile, a colorful kickoff opened the second day of the festival as the students gathered for the โPride Paradeโ and launched various booths at the Continuing Education Center (CEC) for the community art project. In addition, the LGBTQIA+โs showcase of talent and expression captured the audience at the CEC Function Hall during the lip sync battle and inclusion competition.
Participants also savored the freshly prepared meals during Holi Lunchโa spirited celebration of Indiaโs Festival of Colors, symbolizing joy, unity, and renewal.
This tradition stands as a testament to the Universityโs steadfast commitment to cultivating an inclusive and respectful campus for all TAUians, regardless of gender, identity, cultural heritage, or socioeconomic background.
#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #InclusionandDiversityFestivalย #SDG4 #SDG5 #SDG10 #SDG17
Caption and Photosย | Information Unit
