BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Health officials have raised concern over the rising number of HIV-AIDS cases in Baguio City and the Cordillera region, noting that the Philippines has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region.
Baguio has recorded 800 HIV-AIDS cases, the highest in the Cordillera and accounting for 56.3 percent of the region’s total cases, according to officials from the Department of Health-Cordillera and the City Health Services Office.
Data showed that HIV cases in Baguio remained high in recent years, with annual infections rising from 70 in 2021 to 87 in 2025, despite slight fluctuations in between.
A total of 39 deaths linked to HIV-AIDS have been recorded in Baguio since monitoring began in 1984.
National data from UNAIDS showed that the Philippines records an average of 55 new HIV cases daily, with most infections involving males and the 25- to 34-year-old age group having the highest number of cases.
Dr. Clement Bilalat, an official of the City Health Services Office (CHSO), said an estimated 1,300 HIV cases may already exist in the Cordillera, with around 500 individuals still undiagnosed or unaccounted for.
Health officials said they are strengthening awareness campaigns, HIV testing, treatment programs, condom-use advocacy, and other prevention efforts to help curb the spread of HIV.
Written by Saydie Noquera
Saydie Noquera is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
