Cebu's 'Right to Care' policy allows queer couples to make medical decisions

Local

MEDICAL decision-making support in Cebu’s provincial hospitals has been expanded to include designated care partners chosen by patients, regardless of gender identity or relationship status, under a newly signed executive order.

Cebu Province formalized the policy on June 1 through Executive Order No. 29, establishing the Right to Care Program during the opening of Pride Month at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, where officials also held a ceremonial lighting of the building in rainbow colors.

The order allows individuals to designate a trusted person who may accompany them in provincial and district hospitals, receive medical updates when authorized, act as emergency contacts, and take part in care discussions when permitted by the patient.

It also extends to assistance in social welfare services, emergency response coordination, and psychosocial support programs.

Gov.Pamela Baricuatro said the initiative is anchored on dignity and inclusion.

“Every Cebuano deserves respect. Every Cebuano deserves dignity. And every Cebuano deserves to feel that they belong,” she said.

She added that the policy aims to ensure continuity of care in situations where formal legal recognition of relationships is absent.

The governor also said the measure ensures that “no resident is denied care, companionship, or assistance due to the absence of formal legal recognition.”

The program covers all provincial and district hospitals under Cebu’s jurisdiction and will be implemented in coordination with health facilities and local government units, including discussions with the Cebu City government for possible alignment.

Provincial Youth Development Office focal person Mikee Empaces said the policy is intended to address limitations faced by patients and their chosen companions during emergencies.

“With the presence of a policy in place in different hospitals, they will be given the opportunity to make decisions for their loved ones who are in crisis or emergency situations,” she said.

Empaces added that the province expects the policy to encourage wider adoption beyond public hospitals.

“If this is implemented in our hospitals, I'm sure private hospitals will be influenced to do the same if they see that there's good practice in public hospitals,” she said.

Under the program, the provincial government will establish a Right to Care Registry and issue identification cards or certifications to formally recognize designated care partners.

Implementation guidelines covering registration procedures, designation and revocation processes, confidentiality measures, and data protection safeguards will be drafted within 60 days by concerned provincial offices.

The executive order includes a non-discrimination provision stating that no individual shall be excluded from the program based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, marital status, or family arrangement.

Provincial officials also noted that sanctions may be imposed on institutions that fail to comply with the policy.

Officials clarified that the measure does not create marital, civil union, inheritance, or property rights under national law, and is limited to administrative recognition for healthcare and social protection purposes.

The rollout coincided with Pride Month activities in Cebu, including the opening ceremonies at the Capitol and a province-wide calendar of events organized by local government units and LGBTQIA+ groups.

Preparations are also underway for Cebu’s first Grand Pride Parade scheduled on June 27, 2026 in Cebu City, which organizers said will gather participants from across the province in a historic public march.

Cebu Pride Movement co-founder Ramon Matthew Basabe said the event is intended to be inclusive for all sectors.

“Everyone is invited—that is what we want to create in Cebu. It’s not just a meaningful event for the LGBT but for everyone,” he said.

He added that Governor Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival are expected to participate.

Pride Month activities across Cebu are lined up throughout June, starting with community-based and institutional events that lead up to the province’s first Grand Pride Parade.

Among the major events is the Run with Pride on June 7, which gathers participants for a symbolic advocacy run promoting inclusion and visibility.

This will be followed by the Big Pride Picnic on June 14, which features community discussions, performances, and cultural activities that bring together LGBTQIA+ groups and allies.

A key cultural highlight is the staging of “Hook Up The Musical” on June 13 in Cebu City, a bilingual production that explores queer experiences while also highlighting HIV awareness and public health education.

The Mister Gay Sugbo 2026 coronation night is scheduled for June 26, showcasing local LGBTQIA+ talents and advoca