Mandaue City – Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the city’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance to strengthen protections for individuals of diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) against various forms of discrimination. The crafting of the IRR was supported by the SCALE Initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines through the Kadangpan Project of the Cebu United Rainbow LGBT Sector (CURLS).

The IRR describes 17 discriminatory acts that hinder inclusivity and must not be tolerated, such as refusing employment to a job applicant based on actual or perceived SOGIE, as well as disallowance from entry and refusal to be served in community facilities based on actual or perceived SOGIE and other rights relative to education, health, availing of goods and services, and more.

In the ceremonial signing event attended by 120 representatives from the LGBTQ+ community, civil society organizations, community-led organizations, and media outlets, Mayor Cortes highlighted the need for the IRR as it provides actionable steps to ensure that every person is valued and treated fairly. “The IRR is a crucial step – the guiding steps of how we enforce this ordinance. This is our collective victory. If we work together, we can make extraordinary things happen. Let us embody the value of equality in our daily lives,” he said.

In her remarks, CURLS Executive Director Ms. Magdalena Robinson emphasized the importance of meaningful and active participation of the [LGBTQ+] community when it comes to law and governance. “We hope the different LGUs [in the Philippines] are able to pass the IRR. They need the IRR, and Mandaue is now spearheading and is at the forefront of implementing anti-discrimination programs in the Philippines,” she added.

Ms. Vivien Suerte, UNDP Philippines Institutions and Partnerships Team Leader, applauded Mandaue City for taking a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable community. “It is a critical development in ensuring that anti-discrimination measures are effectively implemented and upheld. It will serve as a model for other local government units in the Philippines to follow, promoting the protection of rights for all, regardless of their SOGIE,” she stated.

Before the ceremonial signing, a panel consisting of Mayor Cortes, KAABAG LGBT Federation President Reglyn Bihag, Mandaue Trans Community Icon Atty. Regal Oliva, CURLS Executive Director Ms. Magdalena Robinson, and LGBTQ+ Adviser Dmitri Cortes provided a more nuanced explanation of the IRR provisions and showcased their support for eliminating discrimination in the city. 

CURLS is one of the organizations supported by UNDP Philippines under the SCALE Initiative. This initiative aims to remove barriers to HIV services and advance towards the HIV/AIDS 10-10-10 targets. The issuance of the IRR for Mandaue’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance marks a significant milestone for CURLS’ Kadangpan Project and underscores its commitment to the comprehensive implementation and enforcement of key population protection ordinances. With the concerted efforts of project implementers and partner stakeholders, the city government of Mandaue unit has taken a major step forward in advocating for an inclusive and protective environment that leaves no one behind.

Contact Information: Andyleen C. Feje, HIV Response Analyst, andyleen.feje@undp.org