Published on: January 30, 2026, 9:31 am
Cebu Province Launches Multi-Sectoral Council to Tackle HIV/AIDS Crisis with P1.145 Million Initial Budget
A groundbreaking ordinance establishing a province-wide, multi-sectoral council to enhance HIV and AIDS prevention and control efforts has been officially approved in Cebu. This move institutionalizes long-term strategies to curb the alarming spread of the disease and improve access to essential care services across the province.
Ordinance Details and Funding Allocation
The Provincial HIV/AIDS Multi-Sectoral Council Ordinance was passed on its third and final reading by the Cebu Provincial Board during its regular session on Monday, January 26, 2026. Authored by Board Member Stanley Caminero, this ordinance formalizes a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to addressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) through comprehensive prevention, treatment, and support services.
An initial budget of P1.145 million will be allocated from the Province's Gender and Development Fund to support the council's initiatives. Additional personnel and logistical support will be provided by the Provincial Health Office, ensuring robust implementation. The ordinance is set to take effect 15 days after its official publication, marking a significant step forward in public health governance.
Urgent Need: Rising HIV Infections in Central Visayas
Data from the Department of Health reveals a stark reality: Central Visayas has experienced a 500 percent increase in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths over the past decade. As of June 2025, the region recorded 11,347 diagnosed HIV cases, positioning it among the top five regions nationwide with the highest infection rates. This alarming trend underscores the critical need for enhanced intervention and sustained efforts to combat the epidemic.
Council Composition and Leadership
The newly established multi-sectoral council will serve as Cebu's central advisory, planning, and policy-making body for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Governor Pamela Baricuatro will chair the council, with Board Member Stanley Caminero, who chairs the Committee on Public Health and Social Services, serving as vice chairperson.
The council's membership encompasses a diverse range of stakeholders, including:
- Representatives from the Department of Health and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
- Provincial Health Office and Provincial HIV/AIDS coordinator
- Provincial Public Health Division and Department of Education
- Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office
- Department of the Interior and Local Government
- Provincial Tourism Office and Provincial Information Office
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
- Association of Municipal Health Officers–Cebu Chapter
- Provincial Budget Office and Provincial Legal Office
- Office of the Provincial Secretary to the Sanggunian
- Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan Federation
- League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Cebu
- Representatives from the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. and the Bar Owners Association
- Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society–Cebu and Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases–Cebu
- Non-government organizations such as Cebu Plus Association Inc. and Project Hope
Key Functions and Responsibilities
The council is tasked with a comprehensive set of functions aimed at strengthening HIV/AIDS response in Cebu. These 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
- Identifying gaps in local prevention efforts and conducting public education campaigns
- Coordinating annual surveillance among high-risk groups with the DOH and local social hygiene clinics
- Inspecting health facilities and blood banks for compliance with infection control standards
- Coordinating case monitoring with local health offices
- Recommending legislation or sanctions for violations related to HIV/AIDS control measures
The council will convene at least once every quarter, or more frequently as needed, with a quorum requiring a majority of active members to ensure effective decision-making and progress tracking.
This ordinance represents a proactive and collaborative effort to address a pressing public health challenge, leveraging multi-sectoral expertise and dedicated funding to create a sustainable framework for HIV/AIDS prevention and control in Cebu Province.
