BACOLOD City – Amid rising infection rates across Negros Island, the city government here is ramping up its campaign against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) following the confirmation of 16 new cases in the first two months of 2025.
Executive Assistant Jonathan Diaz, head of the city’s health cluster, revealed that data from the City Health Office (CHO) shows a total of 16 new HIV cases from January to February. This figure accounts for 38 percent of the 42 total infections reported across Negros Occidental and neighboring provinces during the first two months of 2025.
Diaz emphasized the urgency of expanding the city’s prevention strategies, citing data from the Department of Health (DOH). As part of the city’s response, Bacolod is rolling out a comprehensive plan that includes:
* district-level education campaigns targeting barangays, schools, and community groups;
* expanded testing capabilities supported by an annual P500,000 prevention fund; and
* development of a dedicated healthcare hub offering screening, counseling, treatment, and government aid for persons living with HIV (PLHIV).
“The city is committed to implementing data-driven and stigma-free interventions,” Diaz said. He added that not all HIV patients recorded are residents of the city but efforts will also focus on ensuring continuity of care, especially for individuals who work in Bacolod but reside in other provinces.
“It’s unfortunate that some patients stop their treatment when they return to their home provinces, which contributes to the rising number of cases,” he explained.
To address this gap, Mayor Greg Gasataya has approved the establishment of an HIV Hub Office in the city, which will provide accessible services including testing, counseling, and financial assistance to affected individuals.
Barangay Handumanan, led by Punong Barangay Febe Legaspi, has pledged to replicate the pilot community outreach model, mobilizing barangay health workers and youth advocates across the city’s 61 barangays.
In a separate statement, Dr. Babylin Drilon, the CHO’s coordinator for sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), pointed to unsafe sexual practices influenced by online platforms as a contributing factor to the rise in infections, particularly among the youth.
“It’s the access to misleading online information and social media trends that expose young people to unsafe sex practices,” Drilon said.
Bacolod City has an existing ordinance creating the Bacolod City Local AIDS Council (BCLAC), which serves as an advisory and monitoring body to ensure efficient implementation of STI, HIV, and AIDS programs. The council is also responsible for crafting policies and measures to support prevention, treatment, and care services in the city.
Health officials continue to remind the public to get tested, seek timely treatment, and avoid risky behavior to curb the spread of HIV./PN
