The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA), through the Albay Provincial Health Office (APHO), plans to reactivate the Albay Provincial AIDS Council (APAC) to enhance support for People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV).
This initiative also addresses a national public health emergency due to a spike in HIV cases, as the Philippines sees the fastest growth in HIV infections in the Western Pacific region.
According to APHO, this step is backed by legislative measures, especially Provincial Ordinance No. 0027-2024 titled, โPromulgating Policies and Measures for the Prevention, Treatment, Care, and Support of Sexually-transmitted Infections (STIs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the Province of Albay, and appropriating funds therefor,โ by Committee on Health and Social Services Chairperson Victor V. Ziga Jr.
Reactivating APAC ensures the implementation of the provincial response to local STI, HIV, and AIDS issues, aligning with national policies and targets.
The council will oversee the coordination and execution of intervention programs, including education and communication; research; screening, testing, and counseling; and ensuring health service availability to combat HIV/AIDS.
The Bicol region has reported 3,353 confirmed HIV/AIDS cases, with 273 deaths from 1984 to February 2025, according to the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD).
Albay has the second highest number of cases, contributing 29 percent of the total
Source: Albay PIO