SAID to be the first local government unit in the country, the Quezon City government has enacted a comprehensive gender-inclusive health ordinance aimed at providing accessible, respectful, and affirming healthcare services for all.
Introduced by Councilors Bernard Herrera and Dorothy Delarmente, the measure creates a robust framework for delivering gender-affirming primary care, mental health support, and specialized medical services through the city’s public health system.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said the ordinance, which she approved, would reaffirm the city’s commitment to a healthcare system that is truly inclusive.
“Every citizen deserves care that recognizes and respects who they are. With this legislation, we are ensuring that no one is left behind in our goal of achieving health equity.”
She stressed about the urgency of removing healthcare barriers for gender-diverse and transgender residents.
“For far too long, members of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual) community have faced discrimination and limited access to essential health services. This ordinance is a concrete step in addressing that injustice,” the city chief executive added.”
Under the new ordinance, all public health facilities in the city will offer gender-affirming consultations and counseling, medical guidance and referrals to specialized services and mental health support tailored to gender-diverse and transgender individuals.
Also, the ordinance prohibits all forms of conversion therapy and SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics) suppression practices, declaring them harmful and unlawful within the city.
In addition, the law ensures that gender-affirming care will be integrated into existing programs, such as HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency disease) prevention, disability services, and crisis support through the Quezon City Protection Center.
A technical working sub-committee under the leadership of the QC Pride Council will be established to ensure its effective implementation.
Key health institutions—including the Quezon City Health Department, QC General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital—will lead in delivering and modeling inclusive healthcare services.
