Baguio HIV cases reach 812 as health office seeks undiagnosed cases

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The number of recorded HIV cases in this city has reached 812, with local health authorities intensifying efforts to identify an estimated 500 people who may be living with the virus but have yet to be diagnosed.

Dr. Virgilio Clement Bilalat, Medical Officer IV of the City Health Services Office (CHSO), said Baguio had recorded 800 HIV cases as of December 2025, with 12 additional cases documented from January to March.

All 12 newly recorded cases were male, most of them identified as men who have sex with men (MSM), while most were between 15 and 34 years old.

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Bilalat said the Department of Health estimates that around 1,300 HIV cases may be present in Baguio, leaving about 500 cases potentially undiagnosed.

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The CHSO is working with government and nongovernment organizations to identify possible cases through community outreach, online platforms and contact tracing.

READ: Philippines posts highest estimated adolescent HIV incidence in Asean

Partner organizations reach out to people through platforms such as Grindr, Tinder and Facebook to encourage them to undergo HIV testing. Contact tracing is also conducted to identify people who may have been exposed to HIV through individuals who tested positive.

The CHSO provides free HIV testing and consultation and conducts outreach activities, including HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and lectures in barangays, workplaces and other communities.

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Bilalat said limited manpower remains a challenge in expanding the city’s case-finding and outreach efforts. The CHSO is planning to hire additional personnel focused on identifying possible cases and linking individuals to testing services.

The office is also working to address stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV, emphasizing that information gathered during testing and consultation is kept confidential as required by law.

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Bilalat said the CHSO also plans to upgrade the Namnama Center by adding a tambayan or cafe-style area, while strengthening its educational programs and expanding Project Bonjing lectures through partnerships with Sangguniang Kabataan offices.He urged people who may have been exposed to HIV to get tested, assuring them that their information would remain confidential. /cb