Manila, Philippines – With the support of the Embassy of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Intersex Philippines proudly launches a groundbreaking national advocacy project titled I.N.T.E.R.S.E.X.: Informing the Nation, Transforming Engagement, and Raising Support for Equality and eXistence. As the only intersex-led organization in the Philippines, Intersex Philippines is leading the charge to raise public awareness, enhance national advocacy, and build institutional support for intersex rights and visibility. A core part of the initiative includes engagement with legislators, national government agencies, and media stakeholders to foster inclusive policies and respectful public discourse around intersex experiences.
Highlighting Canada’s continued commitment to inclusive and rights-based development, the Embassy of Canada emphasized: “In the Philippines, CFLI has been supporting dozens of initiatives since it started in the country almost 40 years ago – from advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights to promoting women’s participation in peace processes. Over time, it has evolved into a key tool to reflect Canada’s centerpiece policies – from its feminist international assistance policy to the Indo-Pacific Strategy – supporting efforts that are inclusive, sustainable and rights-based”.
Hence, central to the Embassy’s support is the refiling for the Cagandahan Bill, which seeks to uphold the rights, dignity, and bodily autonomy of intersex individuals. The initiative also advocates for the strengthening of intersex-inclusive provisions under existing laws such as the Rare Diseases Act and the Universal Health Care Law. To officially kick off the campaign, a Media Conference will be held on August 18, 2025, bringing together representatives from the Embassy of Canada, as well as champions from the Senate and House of Representatives and relevant government agencies who support the intersex rights agenda.
“We are at a critical moment where visibility must translate into protection and policy change. Through this project, we aim to ensure that intersex Filipinos are no longer invisible in national conversations about equality, health, and human rights,” said Jeff Cagandahan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Intersex Philippines.
For further information about this initiative, please reach out to Rodela Pojas at +63 981 157 4395 or email rodelapojas.ftbm@gmail.com. You can also stay updated by visiting Intersex Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
