by JMD Abangan

Tagum City (19 July) -- "It's high time that we give due recognition to our sisters." Davao Region Tourism Council chairperson Alma Uy said of the first ever gay festival in the region if not in Mindanao.

In a press conference, Uy said gays were normally seen as entertainers during parochial fiestas, starring in fashion shows and rendering dances.

"It's high time that we elevate their status, that they can show their talents and skills." She said while promoting the Binuhat Festival that will fall from July 23 to July 27 coinciding with the Durian Festival that will run from July 18 to August 17.

On the same occasion, Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy said he wanted to acknowledge all sectors who had become partners in pushing further the development of Tagum City.

Aside from engaging in economic enterprise in the city through running beauty parlors, gays have been part in organizing city festivals, he said.

Binuhat Festival coordinator Darwin Suyat explained "Binuhat" as creation in referring gays as "special creation" of God.

He was grateful for the city's first couple attention to the sector whose members are equally "versatile, creative and talented."

In addition to the more than 300 gays from the city, Suyat said hundreds more from other urban centers in Mindanao will be joining the festival to participate in various activities and to compete in various talent and skills match.

On the opening day, July 23, the festival will feature the stand-up comedy competition at the fountain side of Freedom Park.

Other skills and talent match during the week-long gay festival will include fashion and hair designing, basketball and beach volleyball. There will also be forum on safe sex and hair and make-up and fashion designing.