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The Birth of a Movement
“Mula sa isang ideya. Lumago bilang isang kilusan.”
The FTS LOBO Organization Inc. known to many as Flock of the Third Sex was officially formed in 2015, in the heart of Lobo, Batangas. But long before it became a recognized force for advocacy and empowerment, it was a dream sparked by a few brave hearts who believed in inclusion, equality, and pride.
The organization’s inception traces back to the visionary leadership of Hon. Lota Manalo, a public servant and ally who recognized the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in her municipality. At a time when conversations about gender, identity, and safe spaces were still met with silence or stigma, Hon. Manalo dared to make a change. She saw the need for a platform where members of the third sex could unite not in hiding, but in celebration of their identity and power.
During the early discussions of forming such an organization, it was Gilbert Macalalad, a passionate and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, who coined the name “Flock of the Third Sex.” The term “flock” symbolized unity, strength in numbers, and the sense of chosen family, while “third sex” gave voice to the queer identity that had long existed yet remained underrepresented in many local spaces. The name stuck — not just because it was bold, but because it represented something real.
From a small group of members who met in local barangays and public spaces, FTS LOBO grew rapidly. The organization started conducting small advocacy talks, joining barangay events, and raising awareness about HIV, gender equality, and youth empowerment. What made FTS different was its heart that was driven by authenticity, fueled by volunteerism, and grounded in service.Over the years, FTS LOBO has evolved into a fully recognized community-based LGBTQ++ organization.
It has led campaigns on mental health, HIV education, youth leadership, outreach programs and provided a creative outlet through its famous FTS Glam Team, a team dedicated to empowering through makeup, styling, choreography, and performance. It has also played a vital role in Pride celebrations, feeding programs, and relief operations, serving not just the LGBTQIA+ community but the entire town of Lobo.
Despite the challenges faced along the way, discrimination, underfunding, and social barriers, FTS LOBO remains standing, stronger, louder, and prouder than ever. It continues to be a safe space, a platform for leadership, and a symbol of hope for every individual who still struggles to find their voice. Today, FTS LOBO proudly looks back on its roots from a name born from courage to a movement born from love and looks forward to a future where equality is not just a dream, but a reality lived every day.
“Because of one ally, one name, and one dream, a family was formed, a flag was raised, and a history was made.”
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