LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET— Rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus have prompted the Benguet Provincial Board to craft an ordinance aimed at strengthening prevention, treatment and public awareness across the province following a report from the Department of Health that 218 confirmed HIV cases were recorded in the province as of March 2026.
During its 47th regular meeting on Monday, July 20, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan deliberated on second reading the proposed provincial ordinance (No. SP12-18) titled the Benguet STI, HIV, and AIDS Response Program.
Board Member Lady Charmaine Molintas-Likigan, chairperson of the Committee on Health and Sanitation, said the spike in cases underscores the urgent need for local policy action.
“Based on the DOH presentation that was presented last June 17, Benguet has already recorded 218 confirmed HIV cases as of March 2026. With a total of 218 cases, isu nga aramiden tayo daytoy nga linteg tapno, para ma-strengthen natin ang prevention, and to the government give education and support services,” Molintas-Likigan said.
DOH data shows La Trinidad holds the highest case count in the province with 106 confirmed cases, followed by Tuba with 37 and Itogon with 35. Mankayan recorded 11 cases, while remaining municipalities reported nine or fewer cases each.
The proposed ordinance mandates expanded public information campaigns, widespread educational material distribution on STI and HIV transmission, and streamlined access to medical treatment and PhilHealth benefit packages for people living with HIV.
Molintas-Likigan also addressed social stigma, urging residents to utilize government health facilities without fear of judgment.
“Sa mga HIV patients natin huwag po silang mahiya na pumunta sa mga health facilities po natin. Kasi ang gusto po natin ay tulungan silang magamot. Yun naman po ang primary concern natin para sa kanila para hindi rin ito ikamatay nila at saka para hindi rin ito mag-spread sa ibang tao,” she said.
If passed on third and final reading, the ordinance will institutionalize a coordinated, long-term provincial framework for treatment, prevention and support services. Jerome Jacy Cruz | UC Intern
