The cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in the Philippines slightly declined in the second quarter of 2025, but the Department of Health (DOH) continues to push education and health literacy programs as the epidemic remains concentrated among young working-age Filipinos.
Based on the recent data from the Health Department (HIV/AIDS Registry) from April to June, the agency recorded 4,979 new cases, down from 5,101 in the first quarter, averaging 55 new infections daily.
Sexual contact continued to drive transmission, accounting for 96% of new cases. Of these, 3,544 involved male-to-male sex, 641 through both male and female partners, and 571 via male-to-female sex. Men made up nearly all newly reported infections, according to the department.
The DOH also reported 47 pregnant women aged 16 to 45 were newly diagnosed in the second quarter, bringing the total to more than 1,000 pregnancies with HIV since 2011. Officials warned this indicates gaps in prenatal screening and risks of mother-to-child transmission.
Another 569 new cases were linked to transactional sex, involving individuals who paid for sex, accepted payment, or engaged in both. Health experts note these groups remain highly vulnerable due to stigma and limited access to services.
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Despite the modest decline in new cases, the Philippines remains the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in Asia-Pacific, according to WHO and UNAIDS joint bulletin this year. The consistently high daily average underscores the urgent need to expand prevention and treatment.
To respond, the DOH has expanded its Workplace HIV Education Initiative, offering on-site testing, condom distribution, and PrEP information in BPO hubs and corporate offices. The strategy targets Filipinos aged 25 to 34, who account for nearly half of new infections.
The program also aligns with new Civil Service Commission guidelines (CSC Resolution, June 2025; DOLE DO 102-10) issued in June 2025 mandating workplace HIV education in government agencies, and with the Department of Labor and Employment’s Department Order 102-10, which requires private firms to implement HIV prevention and education programs.
From January to June 2025, nearly 50% of new HIV cases involved people aged 25 to 34. This age group forms the backbone of industries such as business process outsourcing (BPO), retail, logistics, and government service.
The concentration of infections among employees highlights why workplaces are increasingly being used as entry points for education, testing, and treatment. The logic is simple: people spend most of their waking hours at work, and stigma often keeps them from visiting stand-alone clinics.
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Treatment gap remains wide
While testing has improved, treatment coverage lags. As of March 2025, about 139,610 Filipinos were diagnosed and living with HIV, but only 66% were on antiretroviral therapy, and just 40% of those achieved viral suppression, according to UNAIDS/WHO joint bulletin, 2025.
These figures fall short of the global 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95% of people with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to be virally suppressed.
Workplace programs are seen as one way to bridge this gap by normalizing testing, facilitating rapid referrals, and helping employees adhere to treatment through HR-supported policies such as medical leave and flexible schedules.
What workplace HIV programs look like
The BPO industry, employing more than 1.7 million Filipinos, is a major target for workplace HIV programs.
By setting up HIV booths inside BPO buildings, DOH and its partners reach a demographic that the data shows are most affected.
“Office workers spend huge hours in the workplace, the reason why DOH intends to reach different offices and workplaces to promote the campaign against HIV,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa earlier.
In its initial rollouts, DOH teams conducted short educational talks, distributed condoms and lubricants, and offered rapid HIV testing on-site. Employees who tested reactive were immediately linked to one of 305 accredited HIV care facilities nationwide for confirmatory testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The workplace approach reduces common barriers such as long wait times at clinics, fear of being recognized, and logistical challenges for shift workers.
And so, for a 27-year-old call center agent in Pasig City, the convenience was decisive.
“I always wanted to get tested but couldn’t find time outside work. When the testing booth came here, I finally did it,” he shared.
“But their success depends on consistency, confidentiality, and follow-through. Because without these, one-time efforts risk fading without lasting impact,” the BPO worker emphasized.
Meanwhile, an IT specialist in Taguig said, “I was hesitant to go to a clinic because I didn’t want others to see me and assume things about me. But when the testing was brought to our office, it felt different, he explained.
“I felt protected and respected. That sense of privacy gave me the courage to finally know my status.”
These accounts reveal how simply integrating HIV programs into workplaces can break down fear, stigma, and misinformation, at least, gradually.
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Private sector and civil society partnerships
Private healthcare networks and civil society organizations also play a vital role, reinforcing the government’s push.
For example, AC Health is introducing HIV education sessions across 220 corporate clinics, with plans to integrate free workplace screening and referrals to its hospital network.
Meanwhile, LoveYourself, Inc. runs its LY Caravan, bringing HIV policy support, gender sensitivity training, and on-site testing to offices and schools. To date, it has partnered with 56 companies and 29 schools.
In addition, Project Red Ribbon has organized HIV testing drives inside government agencies, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) continues to support clinics and awareness campaigns nationwide.
These collaborations normalize HIV education and reduce stigma by making testing a routine wellness service rather than a taboo subject.
Laws that protect workers
Workplace HIV programs are anchored on existing laws and regulations:
- Republic Act 11166 (Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018) prohibits discrimination and guarantees confidentiality for people living with HIV.
- DOLE Department Order 102-10 requires private companies to adopt workplace HIV policies that cover education, condom promotion, and referral systems (DOLE DO 102-10).
- The Civil Service Commission’s June 2025 guidelines mandate HIV education and prevention programs in government offices, stressing confidentiality and non-discrimination (CSC Resolution, June 2025).
In addition to this, the Supreme Court has also ruled that termination based on HIV status is illegal, reinforcing the right of employees to keep their jobs while managing their health (Supreme Court ruling, 2025).
And so, what employers can do
Authorities encouraged and recommend several steps for companies:
- Adopt a workplace HIV policy consistent with RA 11166 and DOLE Department Order 102-10.
- Schedule on-site testing with accredited partners, ensuring confidentiality and same-day referral pathways.
- Train HR and supervisors on handling health information sensitively and supporting employees undergoing treatment.
- Repeat programs regularly, not just once, so new employees and shift workers are consistently reached.
- Use internal communication channels to share accurate information and anonymous Q&A opportunities.
These measures, while straightforward, can help transform the workplace into a safe and supportive environment.
With this, workplace HIV education will be measured by outcomes such as:
- Increased testing rates among employees, especially young men.
- Shorter gaps between diagnosis and treatment initiation.
- Higher rates of viral suppression among those on ART.
- Zero reported discrimination cases in workplaces with policies in place.
Officials emphasize that beyond numbers, success also means creating workplaces where health is openly supported and stigma has no place.
A collective effort
The Philippines has seen HIV cases rise fivefold since 2010. International funding is shrinking, making domestic investment and private-sector participation more important than ever.
The DOH workplace initiative signals recognition that addressing HIV requires a whole-of-society response, from government offices to private companies, from HR managers to health advocates.
As Secretary Herbosa explained that HIV remains a pressing health issue, intensifying campaigns and services across both public and private workplaces.”
For young Filipinos entering offices every day, that means HIV education, testing, and treatment could soon be as routine as a company health check-up, an ordinary step with extraordinary impact in the lives of many.
Photo by Deon Black on Unsplash
DISCLAIMER
This article provides general information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
