Learning thrives when every child feels safe, accepted, and valued! To make sure no student is ever left in the shadows, Lucena West I Elementary School proudly embraced positive change last June 24, 2026, by hosting a special symposium entitled “Inclusive Teaching in Action: Building Belonging For LGBTQIA+ Learners”. Organized by our Gender and Development (GAD) team, the afternoon was all about sharing practical ways to make our school a welcoming home for everyone, celebrating diversity as a strength that brings us all together.

The program started with a nationalistic song and a heartfelt opening prayer by Master Teacher I, Ms. Genia A. Dural. Right after, our School Principal II, Mr. Carlos V. Villaester, welcomed everyone with an inspiring message. He made it clear that the school administration fully supports our LGBTQIA+ learners and reminded the teachers to be champions of kindness and inclusion inside the classroom. To give everyone a clearer picture of why this matters, Master Teacher I, Ms. Mary Grace G. Garcia, explained that Pride Month is the perfect time for us as educators to look at how we teach, welcome real change, and choose empathy in everything we do.

The core session of the afternoon was a very engaging talk by guest Guidance Counselor, Ms. Jella D. Almario-Maglante. Instead of just a standard lecture, Ms. Maglante shared real-life situations and simple strategies on how to understand SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression). She gave the faculty excellent tips on using inclusive language and creating a classroom environment where students can focus on learning without fear of being judged. The teachers eagerly joined in on the reflective situations, opening up about their own classroom experiences and learning how to better protect the mental well-being of their learners. This open discussion allowed everyone to honestly look at their own teaching habits and unlearn old biases. It was a powerful reminder that building a safe space begins with an educator’s willingness to listen and grow.

The flow of the program was smooth, leading up to the awarding of certificates to thank everyone who made the event possible.

To close the event, Assistant Principal Mr. Bayani M. Reyes challenged the whole school community not to let these lessons stay in the seminar. He urged everyone to practice this beautiful change in their daily conversations with learners. Lucena West I Elementary School celebrates change, celebrates growth, and is proud to be a safe space where every single learner is respected, valued, and loved!

//Mary Grace G. Garcia

Photo Credit : Riza Aguilar & Sheena Palomado