TACLOBAN CITY — The Northern Samar provincial board has passed a Right to Care ordinance allowing an adult to designate a trusted person who is not a blood relative or legal spouse to make medical decisions on their behalf.

The ordinance was approved during the provincial board’s regular session on 10 September, making Northern Samar the first province in Eastern Visayas to adopt such a measure.

Under the ordinance, a designated “care proxy” may approve or refuse medical treatment if a patient becomes unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate or make decisions.

The provincial government described the measure as a step toward a more inclusive and people-centered healthcare system that protects residents’ right to have their healthcare preferences represented and respected.

“This can be particularly meaningful for families whose loved ones are working or living away from home, as well as for solo parents, persons with disabilities, live-in partners, LGBTQIA+ individuals, senior citizens, and other non-traditional families and vulnerable sectors,” the provincial government said.

Board Member Emil Ongchuan II, the ordinance’s proponent, said the measure underwent public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, sectoral representatives, healthcare workers, civil society organizations and other concerned groups.

Ongchuan said allowing patients to designate a trusted person gives families and healthcare providers clearer guidance during critical situations, particularly when a patient can no longer communicate or decide for themselves.

The Right to Care initiative was first introduced at the local government level in Quezon City and has since been adopted in Cavite, Laguna, Ilocos Sur and Cebu.