The local government unit (LGU) of Quezon City held a public consultation for the establishment of a gender-inclusive healthcare program, particularly benefiting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The proposed ordinance for the Quezon City gender-inclusive health program is being eyed to strengthen the LGU’s existing health programs by making them “equal, complete and gender-diverse” so that all residents, particularly transgender and gender-diverse individuals, are not excluded.
“Layunin ng panukalang ito na pagtibayin ang isang gender-inclusive na sistemang pangkalusugan sa Lungsod Quezon upang matiyak na ang pantay, kumpleto, at gender-diverse na mga serbisyo ay maibibigay sa lahat ng residente, lalo na sa mga transgender at gender-diverse na indibidwal.”
If/when passed as a local policy, this is expected to “strengthen the LGU’s position to fight for health rights, body autonomy, and access to services that will prevent discrimination.”
“Pinagtitibay nito ang paninindigan ng lungsod na ipaglaban ang karapatang pangkalusugan, kalayaan sa sariling katawan, at access sa mga serbisyong hindi magdudulot ng diskriminasyon, alinsunod sa national at international human rights standards.”
Present at the public consultation were Brian Asiatico, Administrative Officer IV of the Quezon City Health Department; Dr. Rolando Cruz, program coordinator of the STI, HIV and AIDS Program in Quezon City; Jessica Serrano of TransHealth Philippines; Magdalena Robinson, program manager of TransHealth Philippines; and Rev. Cristopher Joseph San Jose of Open Table MCC.
