• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City will hold a solemn candlelight memorial on May 16 at SM City Bacolod to honor the victims of HIV/AIDS and recognize the individuals who dedicated their lives to promoting awareness and prevention.
According to Executive Assistant Jonathan Diaz, the program will include testimonies from people living with HIV and a report from the Department of Health – Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) regarding the current HIV statistics in the city.
The event is also intended to recognize the efforts of volunteers involved in HIV/AIDS advocacy and prevention programs.
According to DOH-NIR, records from 1995 to 2025 show a total of 1,392 HIV cases in Bacolod City, with 2025 marking the highest annual increase at 183 new cases.
Last year recorded the highest number of fatalities related to the virus, with 25 deaths reported during that period.
Committee Chair on Health Councilor Em Ang said the rise in cases is a result of increased testing.*
