09/07/2026
๐๐๐-๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก-๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐
BAGUIO CITY, July 9, 2026 โ Reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing the growing HIV epidemic, the Department of Health โ Center for Health Development Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR), through its National AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP), convened the Second Semester HIV Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Stakeholders Meeting on July 9, 2026, at Chalet Baguio. The gathering underscored a unified commitment among government institutions and community partners to strengthen HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services in the region's high-burden areas.
The meeting brought together key local government partners from the Baguio Health Services Office, Benguet Provincial Health Office, Tuba Municipal Health Services Office, and Itogon Municipal Health Services Office, alongside community-based organizations that continue to play a vital role in reaching populations most affected by HIV. These included the FPOP Baguio-Benguet Chapter, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Balay Marvi by LoveYourself, Sustained Health Initiative of the Philippines, Northern Sanctuary Metropolitan Community Church, Salakniban Support Group, and the DOH-CAR NAMNAMA Team.
Serving as the foundation for strategic planning, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) presented the latest HIV and AIDS situation in the Cordillera Administrative Region, highlighting current epidemiological trends and the continuing need to intensify evidence-based interventions. The updated data provided stakeholders with a common understanding of the region's HIV landscape and reinforced the urgency of coordinated, targeted, and community-centered action.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the presentation of accomplishments by the participating community-based organizations. Beyond showcasing milestones in HIV prevention, community-based screening, linkage to treatment, adherence support, and demand generation, the discussions provided an honest assessment of operational challenges encountered in the field. Stakeholders collectively identified opportunities to improve service delivery, strengthen referral mechanisms, expand community outreach, and enhance collaboration between government health facilities and civil society organizations.
The convergence reaffirmed that the HIV response is a shared responsibility one that cannot be achieved by a single institution alone. The active participation and open exchange among government agencies, local health offices, and community organizations demonstrated the value of partnership in ensuring that HIV services remain accessible, client-centered, and responsive to the needs of communities. By aligning strategies, sharing best practices, and addressing challenges collectively, the stakeholders strengthened a coordinated regional response capable of reaching more individuals, linking them to timely services, and improving health outcomes.
As the meeting concluded, participating organizations renewed their commitment to sustaining a whole-of-society approach in the fight against HIV. Through strengthened partnerships, continuous collaboration, and a shared vision of ending the HIV epidemic, DOH-CAR and its partners reaffirmed that every sector has a critical role in building healthier, more resilient communities where no one is left behind.
