All government agencies are mandated to establish and implement their respective Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) workplace policies, following the issuance of a new guideline by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
CSC Resolution No. 2500398, or the “Enhanced Guidelines in the Implementation of Workplace Policy and Education Program on HIV and AIDS in the Public Sector”, prescribe measures that government agencies may undertake, including – though not limited to – education and awareness-raising on HIV and AIDS, provision of support and/or access to information on HIV and AIDS-related services, promotion of a safe work environment through occupational health and safety standards, and fostering confidentiality and non-discriminatory practices against persons living with HIV and AIDS.
The guideline also encourages government agencies to coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH), particularly the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) to “ensure that employees have access to information on HIV and AIDS including related services such as prevention, care, treatment, testing, and counseling for persons living with HIV.”
Similarly, government agencies are expected to “uphold data privacy by ensuring the confidentiality of employees’ medical records and information, in compliance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.”
This policy covers all government employees, regardless of appointment status, in all branches and agencies of the government (from national government agencies, to local government units, state colleges and universities, and government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters). All initiatives on HIV-AIDS prevention and control are to be reported to the PNAC annually.
