Contents
June 28, 2025 — Gaisano Capital Mintal, Davao City
In a strong show of advocacy and youth-led initiative, JCI Davao launched Project Transition Leg 1, a pioneering event aimed at advancing the health, education, and rights of transgender women in Davao City.
The event marked the first leg of Project Transition, one of the Top 5 Best Projects from the 58th Most Outstanding High School Graduate (MOHSG) competition. Conceptualized by MOHSG nominee Kelsey Villafuerte, the project was officially adopted by JCI Davao and implemented under the leadership of Project Chairman Dennis Barimbao, a JCI Davao member and active advocate from FPOP Davao.
Project Transition is rooted in the vision of providing accessible healthcare, inclusive education, and equal rights advocacy for transgender women and the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Collaboration for Inclusion
The project was made possible through the support and collaboration of multiple partners:
- JCI Davao – project adopter and co-provider of meals
- SK of Brgy. Sto. Niño – Tugbok – logistics, materials, and food
- FPOP Davao – resource speaker and lecture lead
- PPATH (Philippine Professional Association for Transgender Health) – consultations and medical discussions
- Gaisano Grand Malls – event venue provider
Program Highlights
The program opened with a groundbreaking medical lecture on Gender Affirming Surgery by Dr. Berry Beriña, a renowned gender-affirming surgeon. Dr. Beriña covered various surgical options, from facial feminization procedures to breast augmentation and sex reassignment surgeries. However, she stressed that “surgery is not always the answer,” noting that affirmation begins within, and surgical intervention is a personal choice—not a requirement for identity. She emphasized that access to gender-affirming care has been proven to reduce suicide rates and improve the quality of life among trans women.
Following this, Alfred Gozon of FPOP led a powerful SOGIE 101 lecture, offering attendees a clearer understanding of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression. He highlighted the difference between sex and gender and addressed the common misconceptions surrounding these concepts. “Everyone has a SOGIE — regardless of gender or orientation,” he reminded the group, advocating for the passage of the long-overdue SOGIE Equality Bill.
Lastly, the event offered 1-on-1 gender-affirming consultations to transgender women from the Mintal area. While time constraints limited in-depth discussions, participants were encouraged to continue consultations at Dr. Beriña’s clinic for more comprehensive care.
Real Impact, Real Lives
Around 20 transgender women and LGBTQIA+ individuals from the Mintal community attended the event, many expressing gratitude for the safe space, education, and medical insight they received. The project not only met a healthcare gap but also reinforced the importance of recognition, dignity, and empowerment for transgender Filipinas.
As a youth-driven initiative born out of the MOHSG program, Project Transition is a testament to how young leaders can spark meaningful change, especially when supported by experienced mentors and values-driven organizations like JCI Davao.
This is just the beginning.
Transition with us toward a more inclusive Davao.
Let’s work together to create safer, more affirming communities — where every voice is heard, and every identity is respected.
