Quezon City Implements Gender-Inclusive Health Services Initiative

Quezon City, Philippines – On July 13, 2025, Quezon City officials announced the enactment of an ordinance aimed at providing gender-inclusive health services across its public health facilities. This initiative, advocated by Mayor Joy Belmonte, is designed to ensure that all residents, regardless of gender identity or expression, receive equitable access to essential healthcare services. The ordinance emerges as a necessary response to the systemic discrimination faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community in healthcare settings.

In her statement, Mayor Belmonte emphasized the significance of the ordinance, noting, "For far too long, members of the LGBTQIA+ community have faced discrimination and limited access to essential health services. This ordinance is a concrete step in addressing that injustice." The local government is set to establish a technical working sub-committee, which will collaborate with the Quezon City Pride Council and the Gender and Development Council to oversee the implementation of the ordinance.

The Quezon City Health Department, alongside key medical facilities such as QC General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, will spearhead the initiative. Over the next two months, the city plans to consult with LGBTQ+ groups, civil society organizations, and medical professionals to develop the implementing rules and regulations of the ordinance. This inclusive approach aims to foster community engagement and ensure that the needs of diverse populations are met.

Among the objectives of the ordinance are provisions for gender-affirming consultations, mental health support specifically tailored for gender-diverse and transgender individuals, and medical guidance related to specialized services. Notably, the ordinance prohibits conversion therapy and any discriminatory practices that negatively impact individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

Dr. Maria Cruz, a public health expert at the University of the Philippines, stated, "This ordinance is a landmark achievement for health equity in the Philippines. It sets a precedent for other local government units to follow, promoting a more inclusive healthcare system that recognizes the rights and identities of all individuals."

The impact of this ordinance extends beyond healthcare access; it is also a crucial step towards societal acceptance and the de-stigmatization of LGBTQIA+ issues in the Philippines. According to a 2022 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 65% of LGBTQIA+ individuals reported experiencing discrimination in healthcare settings, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms.

As the city prepares to roll out these initiatives, local advocates, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, express optimism about the ordinance's potential to transform healthcare accessibility. "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," Belmonte concluded.

In a broader context, Quezon City’s ordinance reflects a growing recognition of the need for gender-inclusive policies globally. Similar initiatives have been implemented in various countries, emphasizing the importance of healthcare systems that are responsive to the diverse needs of their populations. As the city moves forward, the implications of this ordinance may inspire further legislative efforts at both local and national levels, potentially influencing the long-debated Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill in the Philippines.

In summary, Quezon City’s commitment to gender-inclusive health services marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of healthcare equity. As the community awaits the detailed regulations, the hope for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape remains palpable among advocates and citizens alike.