BAGUIO CITY — Partners and advocates were recognized at the City Health Services Office (CHSO) for their efforts and dedication in upholding and co-implementing the office’s mandates to eradicate the HIV-AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Partners were recognized for their compliance with the screening, counseling, and treatment services of HIV-AIDS in the city.

There are 211 confirmed cases in the city according to the CHSO-Reproductive Health and Wellness Center as of November 2024.

Ghay Hope Alangsab, HIV-AIDS Program Co-Manager of the CHSO, reported that the majority of cases ranges from 20 to 29 years of age.

Alangsab stressed the concern that those contracting the illness are getting younger, thus the need to strengthen the campaign among the youth further.

In 2023, the CHSO team conducted its first school-based HIV testing, with the aim of de-stigmatizing the illness as this will further identify and treat patients at an early stage.

Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Health Officer, urged the public to exercise their rights. “Rights-based po ang ating health care sa kanila (HIV-AIDS patients). We do not discriminate against anyone and that is why we actively advocate for everyone to be tested”. Dr. Brillantes furthered that everyone has the right to health care and may avail of free HIV-AIDS testing and treatment at HSO.

The Baguio City AIDS Watch Council, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Anxiety and Depression Support Group, and Baguio Association of Night Spots (BANS) were recognized for their dedication.

The BANS, represented by Acting President Mary Jane Itliong, recognized the CHSO-Reproductive Health and Wellness Center and the Department of Health–Cordillera, for leading, advocating, and serving as champions for eradicating HIV-AIDS in the city.