• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City has recorded a total of 1,712 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, an increase attributed to intensified and expanded testing operations
HIV Campaign Focal Person Jonathan Diaz stated that while testing remains voluntary, the city is strongly urging sexually active individuals to undergo screening to curb the spread of the virus.
Diaz identified barriers to effective management, including ‘lost follow-up’ cases and the difficulty of contact tracing individuals who work in Bacolod but reside in other cities or municipalities.
He also noted that many who test reactive still hesitate to seek further care due to the persistent fear of social stigma, and the city also lacks a treatment hub, which they plan to establish by 2027.
The city government continues to provide free antiretroviral medication to those who test reactive to the virus and offers prophylaxis, an oral medication intended for individuals at high risk of infection or those with partners living with HIV.
Under current guidelines, individuals who test reactive are automatically classified as persons with disabilities, which enables them to access standardized financial and medical assistance from the city government to support their ongoing healthcare needs.
As part of these expanded efforts, the city government recently introduced the HIV/AIDS Online Platform Services, alongside a school-based educational campaign.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said that once fully operational, the online platform will provide residents with confidential access to medical assistance, free testing, appointment, and counseling services via smartphone.
The digital initiative follows a series of awareness programs that have been implemented in public and private schools, as well as private companies, since July 2025.
Gasataya said that as of late 2025, Bacolod City recorded 1,312 cases, ranking it 22nd among more than 140 local government units nationwide.*
