Dahino backs proposed Right to Care Ordinance

Councilor Desiree Dahino expressed her strong support for the proposed Cagayan de Oro City Right to Care Ordinance during a joint committee meeting with the Committee on Health, Nutrition and Health Insurance chaired by Councilor Paolo Gaane.

The proposed measure, sponsored by the City Gender and Development (GAD) Office, seeks to uphold the dignity, autonomy, equality, privacy, health, safety, and welfare of every person by recognizing their right to designate a trusted individual who may assist them in health care matters during times of incapacity.

As chairperson of the committee on women and family relations, Dahino emphasized that the measure can help ensure that no person is left without a trusted voice during critical health situations.

She noted that the proposed ordinance may be particularly meaningful to solo parents, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals estranged from their families, and those whose primary source of care and support is a trusted partner, friend, companion, or caregiver.

“Everyone deserves the right to have the person they trust most stand beside them when it matters most,” Dahino said.

Dahino also stressed that the proposed ordinance remains a work in progress, with consultations ongoing among partner departments and stakeholders to ensure that the measure is practical, inclusive, and responsive to the community’s needs.

Consultations are also being conducted with public and private hospitals, health centers, laboratories, clinics, and other health care institutions to help ensure that the ordinance, once enacted, can be implemented effectively and responsibly. (JDO/SP)