IMUS CITY, Cavite (PIA) — The City Government of Imus is updating its local policies and programs, strengthening local mechanisms to protect its residents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the country continues to address the fast-spreading epidemic.
Last September 21, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed its ordinance establishing a comprehensive STI, HIV and AIDS Prevention, Treatment, Care, Support, and Protection Program. Under the ordinance, the city government will establish local mechanisms that will provide a more comprehensive access to HIV and AIDS services including information, prevention programs, confidential HIV testing and counselling, treatment, care, support, and referral services.
Once passed, the city government will also ensure that patients living with HIV will be protected from stigma and discrimination by protecting their rights to privacy and confidentiality.
As one of its authors, Councilor Enzo Asistio said the ordinance will also provide updated policies on STI, HIV, and AIDS programs to meet the standards set by the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act.
“Layunin nating mas mapalawak ang access ng ating mga kababayan sa tamang impormasyon, prevention programs, confidential HIV testing and counseling, treatment, care, support, at referral services, kasabay ng pagprotekta sa kanilang privacy at karapatan at pagtulong na maiwasan ang stigma at discrimination.”
In 2025, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Philippines noted that the country is experiencing one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in Asia Pacific where at least 57 people are diagnosed with the disease each day. (PB-PIA CALABARZON)