The Department of Health (DOH) and the Quezon City Government partner to provide free HIV testing, counseling, awareness campaigns, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) services to more than 2,000 individuals as a pre-observance activity for World AIDS Day happening every December 1st. (Photo by: Christian Luz/PIA CPSD)
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — Four years after his HIV diagnosis, 32-year-old Philip, whose name has been changed in this news report to protect his privacy, struggles to consistently manage his health due to the high cost of healthcare and medication.
In an effort to address such financial barriers to accessing care, PhilHealth has nearly doubled the healthcare coverage for persons living with HIV (PLHIV), raising the annual benefit for HIV/AIDS treatment by 95 percent to P58,500 from the previous P30,000 package.
“Maganda kasi alam ko na ngayon. Makakatulong ‘to sakin para menos na sa bayad kasi minsan hindi ako nagpapa-lab at magastos,” said Philip, expressing relief over the announced increase in coverage.
(That’s great because I’m now aware. This will help me reduce my expenses since I sometimes skip lab tests because they are costly.)
PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado assured PLHIV of the agency’s commitment to protecting their health and privacy, urging them to utilize the expanded benefits without fear or shame.
“Wala po kayong dapat ipag-alala, narito po ang PhilHealth upang tugunan ang inyong pangangailangang medikal. Kaya huwag po kayong matakot o mahiyang magpagamot. Makakaasa kayo na po-protektahan namin ang inyong mga personal na impormasyon,” said Dr. Mercado.
(You have nothing to worry about. PhilHealth is here to help meet your medical needs. That’s why you shouldn’t be scared or embarrassed to get treatment. You can rest assured that we will protect your personal information.)
The enhanced coverage package is a critical and timely measure in support of the Department of Health’s (DOH) proposal for a declaration of a national public health emergency in light of the alarming increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases.
On Nov. 27, 2025, the health department reported over 5,500 new HIV cases between July and September 2025 alone, highlighting the urgent need for expanded access to testing, treatment, and comprehensive care.
The PhilHealth benefit package for HIV management covers Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for all individuals diagnosed with HIV by certified facilities, regardless of their current clinical or immunologic status.
Moreover, it provides access to all essential services required for sustained and effective HIV care, including counseling services, consultations, and laboratory examinations, among others.
To date, there are 234 PhilHealth-accredited and DOH-designated HIV treatment hubs across the country. Dr. Mercado emphasized that confidentiality remains a top priority, assuring PLHIV that their decision to seek treatment under the benefit package will be handled with the utmost discretion by accredited healthcare providers.
With confidentiality guaranteed and financial worries significantly reduced, PhilHealth urged PLHIV and parents of children potentially living with HIV to immediately visit the nearest treatment hub to ensure they receive life-saving care.
According to the latest data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, the number of new HIV infections has climbed by 550% from 2010 to 2024, particularly among youth aged 15 to 24.
“Nakakabahala ang mga balita na pabata ng pabata ang mga PLHIV kung kaya’t nananawagan kami sa mga magulang ng mga kabataan, suportahan at iparamdam natin sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa at may kinabukasang naghihintay sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng early prevention at regular na pangangalaga sa ilalim ng ating mga YAKAP Clinics,” Dr. Mercado stressed.
(The reports that PLHIVs are getting younger are alarming, which is why we are calling on the parents of these young people, let us support them and make them feel that they are not alone and that a future awaits them through early prevention and regular care under our YAKAP Clinics.)
In a pre-observance activity for World AIDS Day happening every December 1st, the DOH and the Quezon City Government partnered on Nov. 29, 2025, to provide free HIV testing, counseling, awareness campaigns, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) services to more than 2,000 individuals.
Aside from creating a supportive environment where every PLHIV feels safe to seek testing and treatment without fear of discrimination, the initiative also aims to ensure immediate linkage to care for those newly diagnosed and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve the worldwide goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
