Quezon City has officially made history as the first local government in the Philippines to pass a comprehensive Gender-Inclusive Health Ordinance, setting a national precedent for equitable, respectful, and affirming healthcare services for all—regardless of gender identity or expression.
Introduced by Councilors Bernard Herrera and Dorothy Delarmente, the ordinance outlines a framework to provide gender-affirming primary care, mental health support, and access to specialized medical services across all public health facilities in the city.
“This groundbreaking ordinance reaffirms Quezon City’s commitment to a healthcare system that is truly inclusive,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “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.”
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Protecting Rights and Removing Barriers
The ordinance mandates all public health facilities—including the QC General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital—to offer gender-affirming consultations, counseling, medical guidance, and referrals for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
It also explicitly bans conversion therapy and any SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics) suppression practices, declaring them harmful and illegal within city limits.
Additionally, gender-inclusive care will be integrated into existing city programs such as HIV/AIDS prevention, disability services, and the crisis response mechanisms of the Quezon City Protection Center.
Community-Led Implementation
To ensure effective rollout, a Technical Working Sub-Committee will be formed, led by the QC Pride Council in collaboration with the QC Gender and Development Council and District Pride Councils. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) will be finalized within 60 days, through consultations with LGBTQIA+ organizations, civil society, and healthcare professionals.
By enacting this ordinance, Quezon City once again positions itself at the forefront of progressive policy-making—affirming that in this city, inclusive healthcare is not only policy, but a fundamental right.
