To formalize a multi-sectoral approach to curb the spread of HIV in Cebu, an ordinance was passed in the province to enhance province-wide prevention strategies, ensure comprehensive care and medical services for people living with HIV/AIDS, and secure dedicated funding to sustain these programs for years to come.
The ordinance, titled the Provincial HIV/AIDS Multi-Sectoral Council Ordinance, was passed on third and final reading by the Provincial Board during its regular session on January 26. This was authored by provincial board member Dr. Stanley Caminero.
Earlier, in December 2025, during the observance of World AIDS Day, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro reiterated her call to end the stigma surrounding HIV, saying that the provincial government has been working closely with the Department of Health (DOH), advocacy groups, and individuals living with the disease to strengthen HIV/AIDS programs.
This is seen as necessary because, based on reports from the DOH, Central Visayas saw a 500% increase in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths over the past decade. As of June 2025, the region recorded 11,347 diagnosed cases, making it one of the top five regions in the country with the highest number of infections.
The multi-sectoral council will serve as the central advisory, planning, and policy-making body for HIV/AIDS prevention and control in Cebu.
It will be chaired by the governor with Dr. Caminero, being the PB Committee on Public Health and Social Services head, as vice chairperson.
Members will include: Department of Health representative/Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC); Provincial Health Officer; Provincial HIV/AIDS coordinator; Provincial Public Health Division Head; Provincial Schools Division Superintendent; representatives from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Interior and Local Government, Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Information Office, Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Association of Municipal Health Officer (Cebu Chapter), Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Legal Office, Office of the Provincial Secretary to the Sanggunian; Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President; and respective president from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (Cebu), Hotel, Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI), Bar Owners Association, Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS)- Cebu, Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases- Cebu.
Representatives from Cebu Plus Association Inc. and Project HOPE will also be part of the multi-sectoral council representing the non-governmental organization.
The council’s responsibilities include:
crafting policies and strategies to prevent and control HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,
providing care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS,
developing short-, medium-, and long-term action plans, and monitoring their implementation.
It will also identify priority gaps in local prevention efforts, conduct public education campaigns, and coordinate annual surveillance among high-risk groups in partnership with the DOH and local Social Hygiene Clinics.
The council will similarly inspect and monitor health facilities and blood banks for compliance with infection control standards, coordinate case monitoring with city and municipal health offices, recommend legislation or sanctions for violations, and represent Cebu in local, national, and international HIV/AIDS forums.
The council will be given at least ₱1,145,600 to start, allocated from the Provincial Government’s Gender and Development (GAD) fund, with additional support and personnel provided by the Provincial Health Office.
The ordinance will take effect 15 days after its publication.
