Perci Cendaña

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Vilar and the surname or paternal family name is Cendaña.

Percival "Perci" Vilar Cendaña is a Filipino politician. He is currently serving as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives representing Akbayan Party-list since September 25, 2024.

Perci Cendaña
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for the Akbayan Partylist
Incumbent
Assumed office September 25, 2024
Preceded by	Tomasito Villarin
Constituency	Party-list
Commissioner for Luzon of the National Youth Commission
In office 2011–2016
President	Benigno Aquino III
Chair	Leon Flores III (2011–2013) Gio Tingson (2013–2016)
Chair of the UP Diliman University Student Council
In office 1997–1998
Preceded by	Barry Gutierrez
Succeeded by	Giancarlo Sambalido
Personal details
Born	Percival Vilar Cendaña September 6, 1976 Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Political party	Akbayan
Alma mater	University of the Philippines Diliman
Occupation	Politician
Known for	Advocacy for youth rights, gender equality, and human rights

Early life and education

Cendaña was born in the Philippines. He pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he completed his degree. His educational background laid the foundation for his future career in politics and activism.^{[citation needed]}

Political career

Cendaña ran as the first nominee of Akbayan Party-list in the 2022 elections. Akbayan was proclaimed a winner in the party-list election after An Waray party-list was disqualified by the Philippine Commission on Elections on August 14, 2023.^[1] Cendaña was sworn in on September 25, 2024.^[2]

Advocacies

LGBTQ+ rights
Cendaña has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the Philippines, focusing on key areas such as legal recognition, stronger anti-discrimination legislation, and the creation of inclusive spaces. He has consistently supported efforts to legally recognize the rights and identities of LGBTQ+ individuals while pushing for laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, Cendaña is committed to fostering safe and inclusive environments for the LGBTQ+ community across various sectors.

Youth empowerment
Additionally, Cendaña is committed to fostering safe and inclusive environments for the LGBTQ+ community across various sectors. As a former commissioner of the National Youth Commission, he has also been deeply involved in empowering Filipino youth. His initiatives emphasize increasing youth participation in governance, advocating for accessible and quality education, and creating safe spaces for young people to engage and thrive in their communities.

References

1. De Leon, Dwight. "Comelec upholds cancellation of An Waray's registration". Rappler. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
2. De Leon, Dwight. "Akbayan back in the House after Comelec formalizes 2022 election win". Rappler. Retrieved 25 September 2024.