By: Vanessa Bugtong
In response to the growing number of HIV cases in Baguio City, health authorities and advocacy groups have launched initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and strengthening family support for persons living with HIV (PLHIV).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines has one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region.
From just 4,400 cases in 2010, the number soared to 29,600 by 2024, a staggering 550% increase.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported that from January to April 2025 alone, the country recorded an additional 6,703 cases.
In the Cordillera Administrative Region, 46 new cases were documented from January to March.
The age of patients ranged from as young as one year old to as old as 76, with the median age at 28.
One HIV-related death was also confirmed.
Most of the cases in the region came from Baguio City, followed by La Trinidad in Benguet, Bangued in Abra, Tabuk City in Kalinga, and the towns of Itogon and Tuba in Benguet.
DOH-CAR Information Officer Nurse Geeny Anne Austria noted a concerning trend, “We also have a new report about those who inject drugs, and transmission can occur through shared needles.”
With Baguio among the areas with a high number of cases, local and national agencies are stepping up efforts to offer not just medical help but emotional and psychological support to families of PLHIV.
“HIV isn’t just an individual disease, it affects the whole family,” said Darwin, a PLHIV advocate who chose to remain anonymous. “So I really encourage more involvement and understanding from families.”
One of the major steps being taken is the implementation of Oplan Balay, a joint initiative of the DOH, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National AIDS Council.
The program focuses on holistic care, access to treatment, and empowering families to become strong support systems for patients.
“Sometimes people won’t open up unless they see that others are doing it too,” said Cyra Policarpio, Community and Advocacy Coordinator. “We have to start the conversation somewhere.”
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Baguio chapter has also expressed its commitment to the cause.
“There are people out there going through a lot,” said JCI Baguio President James Casiño. “But they still wake up and push forward each day. Sometimes we just need to give them that extra push.”
On June 21, the Salakniban Support Group distributed grocery packs, medicines, and vitamins to the families of PLHIV to show that support also extends to their loved ones.
“We believe that family is the foundation of a strong support system,” said Paul Brian Tulio Baldoza, Community and Advocacy Coordinator. “And building an accepting community is a step toward helping everyone live with dignity.”
Organizers hope that by widening the circle of awareness and compassion, more people will be encouraged to stand by those affected by HIV and challenge the stigma that surrounds the disease.
