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THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region commemorated World AIDS Day 2025 with a powerful call to action through dynamic community events focusing on art, youth leadership, and HIV advocacy. Held simultaneously on December 1, 2025 in the municipalities of San Juan and Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur, the activities united students, local leaders, and advocates under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
The Local Government Unit of San Juan, led the HIV Free Pinas Mural Making Contest at the San Juan Multipurpose Hall participated by secondary schools across the municipality who showcased powerful, youth-driven murals expressing compassion, awareness, and solidarity with PLHIV followed by a solemn Candle-lighting Ceremony and HIV Information Campaign and honoring the lives affected by HIV and reinforcing the message of hope and collective responsibility.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco commended the youth for their creativity and advocacy, saying that every stroke of color, every message drawn in the murals reflects the courage of a new generation that rejects stigma and embraces empathy. “Our young people are helping transform the HIV response into one that is more inclusive, humane, and community-led,” she stated.
In the town of Santa Lucia, the Municipal Health Office successfully staged the Crowning Moment Night of Miss HIV Ambassadress 2025 at the Titong Singson Auditorium which celebrated advocacy, knowledge, and empowerment as participants showcased their commitment to HIV awareness and community leadership.
“Our HIV Ambassadresses are powerful voices for dignity and acceptance. Their leadership inspires communities to seek correct information, support PLHIV, and uphold every person’s right to equitable and stigma-free health services,” Sydiongco said as she emphasized the significance of the event.
As the celebration brought messages of hope and unity, DOH Ilocos Region also issued a strong warning to the public as HIV cases continue to increase.
From January 1 to May 31, 2025, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) recorded 279 HIV cases in the region: Pangasinan – 147, La Union – 51, Ilocos Norte – 32, Ilocos Sur – 29, and Dagupan City – 20.
Among these cases 263 are male, 16 are female and majority are from the 25–34 age group (148 cases), 78 cases are young people aged 15–24, the second-highest affected group, 46 cases are from ages 35–49, 5 cases are aged 50 and older and 2 cases are below 15 years old.
Through these simultaneous events, DOH – Ilocos Region reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accessible, inclusive, and continuous HIV services, especially for the youth and vulnerable populations. The region continues to strengthen its partnerships with LGUs, educators, civil society, and health advocates to build a responsive, community-driven health system.
“Together, we are shaping an Ilocos Region where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to know their status, seek care, and live with dignity. HIV is preventable, and early testing saves lives. We urge the public to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.,” Sydiongco concluded.
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