Bacolod City that has recorded 1,708 HIV cases since 1995 is ramping up its public health response, Bacolod HIV/AIDS Awareness Program head Jonathan Diaz said on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Of the 1,708 with HIV, 264 died, Department of Health data showed.
Data shows a rise in local cases from 1,312 in July 2025 to 1,708 by September 2025 , which Diaz attributed to an expanded and more aggressive HIV/AIDS information drive and free HIV testing offered in Bacolod City.
The cases in Bacolod City are higher because it is the center of employment, Diaz also said.
Bacolod City is the 22nd of the 40 top cities in the country with the most number of HIV cases, he said.
Bacolod City launched its HIV/AIDS Online Platform Services and a school-based educational campaign this week, aiming to raise awareness and strengthen access to health services for Bacolodnons living with HIV/AIDS, Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a Facebook post.
“Once fully operational, our online platform will provide Bacolodnons with convenient access to city health services such as medical assistance, free testing, and counseling, with assurance of full confidentiality, all just a tap away on a smartphone,” he said.
The local government assured that it has adequate supply of HIV testing kits from the Department of Health – Negros Island Region.
Since July 2025, the city government has actively carried out HIV/AIDS awareness programs in public high schools, private schools, and various private companies, Gasataya said.
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“If you are living with HIV/AIDS, know that you have an entire city that supports you. Let’s break the stigma and spread kindness and compassion,” the mayor said.*