Real Talk

First Drive-Thru HIV Testing Hub Now Open In Baguio

by Kevyn Gohu
May 20, 2025

HIV plagues families more than we think, and getting tested is the first way to stop it

To many, HIV is both a physical and psychosocial death sentence. Because it attacks the immune system, those who have it are more prone to getting sick. They’re also at higher risk of being operated on due to infections that may occur after. Because of this, people fear the disease and often shun those who have it. But the disease doesn’t make them any less than a person or a parent. So long as they’re disciplined with their visits to the doctor, they’re just like any person — something that the new first drive-thru HIV Testing Hub in Baguio is gearing up to prove.

Currently, the hub is located at the Baguio Convention Center, which was originally used for COVID-19 efforts.

HIV plagues families more than we think, and getting tested is the first way to stop it

“No appointments needed, no judgment” at the HIV Testing Hub

People fear getting tested for HIV more because of the stigma attached to it. They are treated as diseases and called horrible names, as if being condemned for it. While yes, HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), there are other ways to get it. Normally, it’s when people share syringes or introduce the bodily fluids of a person who has HIV to their body. Bodily fluids like blood, saliva, and even breast milk can also transfer HIV.

In the Philippines, as of the first quarter of 2025, from the DOH, there have been over 5105 new cases reported, with 145 HIV/AIDS-related deaths. Most of the HIV cases are male, with over 4849 cases. Biologically, it’s because their bodies have more HIV receptors than women.

But that’s why Baguio established the center: to finally reduce those numbers and change the way people see the disease. It’s not contagious via air, and it’s manageable. With anti-retrovirals and consistent doctor’s appointments, there’s still a way to live full and successful lives.

“Behind every diagnosis is a human being who deserves respect, care, and hope,” Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong reveals during the memorial. “This memorial isn’t just about the past – it’s about our resolve to fight stigma, prevent new infections, and make sure no one feels isolated or ashamed.”

The last thing anyone needs is to face a disease alone

With the new HIV Testing Hub now open in Baguio, it’s the first step to finally fighting the disease.

When someone’s afflicted with HIV, they’re often shunned. In a lot of cases, they’re even cast out from the family because they’re considered a shame to the family (Valencia and Nicomedes, 2003; Valdestamon et. al, 2022; Alegre, 2024). But that was because science had not caught up. With new technologies and medicines developed, they can live and protect others by sharing their experiences. The best way to protect families from these things is to talk about them. Even if it’s hard.

References

Alegre, H. G. A. (2024). The Influences of Applied Theater on the Communication Skills of Filipino Young People: Sharing Lessons Learned on Sexuality, Stigma, and HIV Prevention (Doctoral dissertation, Waseda University).

Sala, S. S., & Lim, J. A. (2022). Quality of life and its determinants among Filipino people living with HIV/AIDS enrolled in the treatment hub of a tertiary Government Hospital. Acta Medica Philippina, 56(6).

Valdestamon, D. D. M., Urbano, B. A. M., Gaudia, J. T., Septimo, L. S. V., Mariano, R. R. E., Latorre, A. A. E., & Garcia Jr, F. B. (2022). Association of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among Filipino women. Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development, 26(3), 73-82.

VALENCIA, A. G. F., & NICOMEDES, G. L. A. (2003). Impact of HIV/AIDS on an overseas Filipino worker and his family. Asia Pacific Family Medicine, 2(2), 120-125.