Colors of the rainbow filled the UPLB campus road on Sunday.

In celebration of Pride Month, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, UPLB Gender Center, and UPLB Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere hosted “Ride with Pride” on June 26 at the UPLB Freedom Park.

More than 60 riders, advocates, and allies of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, aromantic, or agender) community joined the event. With rainbow flags attached to their bikes, the participants simultaneously rode for a tour and public display of pride around the campus.

The event is part of UPLB’s commitment to establish and maintain safe spaces within the community by promoting sustainable mobility and its intersection with gender inclusivity and freedom of expression.

In his welcome remarks, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto P. Cereno highlighted UPLB’s plan to revive the cycling culture in the campus by developing bike lanes and other support mechanisms for bikers.

He further emphasized UPLB’s efforts to promote safe spaces by averting gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment.

Meanwhile, UPLB Gender Center Director Nelson Jose Vincent B. Querijero thanked the guests and participants for joining the event. He also stressed the significance of reclaiming safe spaces and recognizing the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Ms. Ann Angala of Bikers United Movement (BUM) thanked the UPLB community for the warm welcome. She discussed future areas for collaboration with UPLB in terms of promoting the cycling culture.

“Ride with Pride” is a series of bike ride events initiated by Break the Cycle Philippines and BUM. Both are groups of cycling advocates promoting biking as a form of active mobility in the country, especially among the LGBTQIA+ community. (Roi Mojado)