Wagayway Equality, Community of Volunteers, Inc. is a grassroots LGBTQIA+ organization based in Batangas and serving Region IV, with growing footprints nationwide. Built on volunteerism and collective action, Wagayway champions:
From small gatherings to city-wide campaigns, Wagayway has become a trusted anchor for queer voices—responding to real struggles through programs shaped by lived experience, compassion, and evidence-based practice.
The EmpowerQueer Hub extends this mission, making Wagayway’s spirit of service accessible to anyone in the Philippines, wherever they may be.
For inquiries or partnerships:
Who the Hub Serves: From Region IV to Nationwide Reach
The EmpowerQueer Hub is designed for:
Region IV-A & IV-B Communities
Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, and MIMAROPA where Wagayway’s grassroots network is strongest.
Nationwide Access
Whether you are in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao, the hub provides:
Our goal is to ensure that every LGBTQIA+ person in the Philippines can find the help, knowledge, and connection they deserve—no gatekeeping, no judgment, no fear.
About the Founder
The EmpowerQueer Hub is guided by Aivan Castillo Alvarez, Founder of Wagayway Equality, and the visionary behind the EmpowerQueer program. Aivan is a development practitioner, LGBTQIA+ rights advocate, researcher, and trainer committed to building community-led solutions for equality.
With experience spanning human rights work, SOGIESC advocacy, socio-economic inclusion, and organizational development, Aivan believes in one simple truth:
“The community is the expert. My role is only to amplify what already exists within us.”
Alongside Wagayway volunteers, partner organizations, and Ascend Development Solutions experts, Aivan continues to nurture this hub as a living movement, not just a project.
Behind the Movement
This hub is made possible by:
Together, we created a space that is inclusive, practical, compassionate, and sustainable.
EmpowerQueer Hub is not simply a platform—it is the reflection of a community that refuses to be invisible.
Trusted support, inclusive resources, and a space shaped by the community itself.
From toolkits to training, everything in one place.
Because access to support shouldn’t come with barriers.
Built for all identities. Reviewed with care. Open to everyone.
EmpowerQueer Hub reflects the full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ lives. We prioritize content that centers trans, nonbinary, BIPOC, disabled, and youth voices. Every submission is reviewed by our team to ensure it aligns with our values of respect, accessibility, and community safety.
Your story, your tools, your voice—right here.
This hub is stronger when more voices are included. Share a personal story, submit a toolkit or event, or help spread the word. Contributors can choose to remain anonymous, use a nickname, or be fully credited. Every submission helps someone feel less alone.
Our team is made up of LGBTQIA+ leaders, advocates, and allies committed to building a safe, inclusive, and community-powered space.
Aivan Alvarez – Chairman
Dré Santiago – Vice Chair
Dré is a youth development advocate with roots in education and public health. They champion safe spaces for queer youth and marginalized voices.
Camille Reyes – Secretary
Dré is a youth development advocate with roots in education and public health. They champion safe spaces for queer youth and marginalized voices.
Leo Villanueva – Treasurer
With a background in nonprofit finance, Leo manages resources with care and accountability. His work supports sustainable and accessible programming.
Marah Ocampo – Director, Community Engagement
Marah leads with heart and strategy, ensuring local voices are heard through community events, outreach programs, and lived-experience storytelling.
Zion Pascual – Director, Education & Training
Zion designs inclusive learning modules and peer training sessions, with a focus on SOGIE education, allyship, and anti-discrimination practices.
Khai Lim – Director, Digital & Accessibility
Khai oversees digital inclusion and accessibility, making sure every page of the Hub works for everyone—regardless of device, ability, or bandwidth.
Dani Estrella – Director, Advocacy & Policy
Dani monitors key policy issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, pushing for reforms that protect, affirm, and empower all identities.
Sign Up to Volunteer
You may choose to volunteer with:
Wagayway Equality – community-led LGBTQIA+ advocacy and services
Ascend Development Solutions – training, sustainability, and organizational development initiatives
Our partner organizations working in health, rights, gender equality, environmental protection, and SDG-focused programs
No prior experience is required—only respect, openness, and a willingness to learn.
Privacy & Care
Your information will be handled with care, respect, and confidentiality.
Signing up does not mean immediate deployment—you will be contacted for orientation, matching, or future opportunities that align with your interests and availability.
What Happens Next
Volunteering is not about doing everything—it’s about showing up when and how you can.
Questions about volunteering?
You may also contact us at:
contact@empowerqueerhub.com
Thank you for choosing to be part of a community grounded in care, dignity, and shared responsibility.
Sign Up to Volunteer
We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.
We are grateful to our awesome sponsors. Thank you!
