As pride month begins: Cebu Province recognizes ‘right to care’

CEBU, Philippines — Pride Month in Cebu opened with a milestone for inclusivity as Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued an executive order recognizing the right to care for individuals designated by patients, including LGBTQIA+ partners and members of non-traditional families, on Monday, June 1.

Baricuatro signed the EO during the official opening of the inaugural province-wide Pride Month celebration at the Capitol.

Provincial Youth Development Office focal person Mikee Empaces stressed during a press briefing last week that while LGBTQIA+ couples are generally not allowed to decide on behalf of their hospitalized loved ones, the right to care policy aims to allow them to give consent for their sick partners, especially in times of 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 this initiative is part of the Capitol's effort towards inclusivity, even in hospitals.

According to her, the policy will be implemented in 16 district and provincial hospitals under the management of the provincial government.

The province is currently coordinating with hospitals, experts, and the Cebu City government to discuss probable partnerships.

Empaces hopes that through the implementation of the policy, private hospitals will mirror the same initiative for their clients.

“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,” said Empaces.

Cavite became the first province to implement a province-wide “Right to Care” ordinance, which includes a Right to Care Card that serves as official identification for designated health proxies.

When asked about plans to adopt the same mechanism, Empaces said, “It will be something we will look into.”

To recall, Cebu City earlier proposed an ordinance requiring hospitals to recognize same-sex partners as legitimate caregivers, endorsed by Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona on Oct. 28, 2025.

Similar Right to Care policies have also been adopted by several local government units in the country, including Quezon City, San Juan City, Parañaque City, and Dasmariñas City. — Jona Mariel Apurado and Jhiezel Jane Camarillo, CNU Interns/MRM (FREEMAN)