25/10/2025
IN PHOTOS: Mx. NCPAG Rosh, a q***r indigenous advocate who honored LGBTQ+ and indigenous victims of state violence, was crowned as Mx. UP 2025 last night, October 24, at Quezon Hall.
Mx. Rosh Soriano from the National College of Public Administration and Governance won after compelling the audience and judges with her Advocacy Costume and quick-thinking answers in the Q&A portion.
Rosh’s winning campaign was rooted in the intersection of her identity, both as an Itawes from Cagayan and a q***r person. Her advocacy costume, which also won Best in Advocacy Costume, was a heartfelt memorial to slain LGBTQIA+ people and Indigenous people and advocates like Jay-El Maligday, the Rivas sisters, and revolutionaries Ka Rekka and Ka Dahlia, adorned with the call: “Katarungan para sa katutubo’t kabaklaan!”
In the Q&A segments, Rosh’s stances won the hearts of the judges and audiences. When asked about Frats, she pointed out that it was “high time to seek accountability” from those who have acted against the community (LGBTQIA+ community). In the final round, she outlined her vision for a gender-inclusive UP, stating that while UP holds events and programs promoting and uplifting the community, the university must also highlight the personal experiences of q***r people as, like the colors of the Pride Flag, their experiences and struggles vary.
via Mark Lemor | NCPAG-Umalohokan
