Department of Health(DOH)

Good day! Please be informed that we have endorsed your request to Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB) for action. Kindly await for their response. Thank you!

July 17, 2023 Dear Ryan Cuartero, I refer to my letter of Jun 05, 2023 11:21:28 AM; about your request under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch, for Specifications of Biological Women. Our response to your request is due on Jun 26, 2023 11:21:28 AM. Unfortunately, it is taking longer than expected to deal with your request because we awaited for the data from DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB) I apologize for this delay but have applied for an extension so we could work further on your request. We hope to be able to send you a response on or before Jul 24, 2023 11:21:28 AM. Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact me using the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://pcoomaster02202018193000-dot-efoi-ph.appspot.com/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHQsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEERPSC0wMjYwNTYxMDg2ODkM, for request with ticket number #DOH-026056108689. Thank you. Respectfully, FOI Decision Maker FOI Officer

July 17, 2023 Dear Ryan Cuartero, Greetings! Thank you for your request dated Jun 05, 2023 11:21:28 AM under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch. Your Request You asked for Specifications of Biological Women. Response to Request Your FOI request is approved. Question No. 1, Based on current scientific understanding, the characteristics of a biologically female woman include the following: (1) Presence of two X chromosomes. (2) Development of reproductive organs such as ovaries and a uterus. (3) Secondary sexual characteristics, such as the development of breasts and menstruation. Please note that these characteristics are determined by genetic and physiological factors. The DOH acknowledges the importance of providing accurate and evidence-based information. We encourage you to refer to reliable scientific studies, clinical trials, and reputable sources for further details on this topic. You may access ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing and completed clinical trials, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov for various biomedical and life sciences journal literature, and other scientific databases relevant to their intended search. For Questions No. 2 and 3, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect for diverse perspectives. You may access ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing and completed clinical trials, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov for various biomedical and life sciences journal literature, and other scientific databases relevant to their intended search. These platforms can be valuable resources for accessing scientific studies related to gender identity, transgender health, and related topics. Additionally, you may consider referring to reputable medical and scientific organizations that specialize in transgender health, such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), or other local transgender health organizations. These organizations often publish guidelines, position statements, and research summaries that provide comprehensive information on transgender health and related topics. Thank you Your right to request a review If you are unhappy with this response to your FOI request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response by writing to the Central Appeals and Review Committee, at [email protected]. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made within 15 calendar days from the date when you received this letter. We will complete the review and tell you the result within 30 calendar days from the date when we receive your review request. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Office of the President under Administrative Order No. 22 (s. 2011). Thank you. Respectfully, FOI Decision Maker FOI Receiving Officer