HIV testing, care now accessible in Bukidnon, rest of Northern Mindanao
The Department of Health Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) has expanded Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV testing and treatment services across the region including Bukidnon as part of its 8-Point Action Agenda (2023-2028), aimed at achieving a Healthy Pilipinas and ending the HIV epidemic.
“Right now, bisan og naa sila sa Iligan, naa sila sa Bukidnon or anywhere, accessible na ang testing. Na increase naman nato atong testing facilities and treatment as well,” said Ven John Nuñez, DOH Community Outreach Worker for Iligan City.
(Right now, even if they are in Iligan, they are in Bukidnon or anywhere, testing is accessible. We have increased our testing facilities and treatment as well.)
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Klook.comNorthern Mindanao has 18 treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities, including Adventist Medical Center-Iligan (HAVEN), Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center, Maramag HIV/AIDS Primary Care Services, Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center, Northern Mindanao Medical Center, and others.
Eight laboratories are also certified for confirmatory HIV testing, including the City Health Offices in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital, Kolambugan Provincial Hospital, Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro, Sr. Medical Center, and Northern Mindanao Medical Center.
Key interventions include awareness campaigns, early detection through testing, treatment access, stigma reduction, and community-based prevention such as condom use and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Testing is available to all, regardless of age, sexual orientation, or identity.
Nuñez added that some men engage in high-risk sexual activity, noting that MSM does not refer only to the LGBT community, but also includes straight men who have sex with men in exchange for money.
Transgender individuals, pregnant women, and people diagnosed with tuberculosis are also part of the program’s focus.
Nuñez emphasized that HIV is preventable. The DOH educates communities on transmission and prevention. Transmission occurs through unprotected sex with an infected person, blood transfusions or sharing of needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
The DOH-CHDNM also addresses myths about HIV. Kissing, hugging, handshakes, sharing utensils, food, toiletries, using the same restroom, or sharing clothes with a person living with HIV will not spread the virus. Saliva, sweat, tears, and urine also cannot transmit the virus.
To prevent HIV, the agency encourages the ABCDE approach:
A – Abstain from casual sex
B – Be mutually faithful with a partner
C – Correct and consistent use of condoms
D – Do not engage in alcohol or drug use
E – Education
“If they are empowered enough to embrace this knowledge then this HIV can be prevented,” Nuñez said.
Since 1991 up to June 2025, Northern Mindanao has reported 4,156 HIV cases as of June 2025, with 3,989 cases among men. Nationwide, an average of 55 new cases are reported daily.
