Opening of the Abante Treatment Hub in Manticao, Misamis Oriental in December 2025. (Photo courtesy of Brgy. Pagawan Council)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Health-Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) is urging municipal and city health offices to establish their own HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) treatment facilities to reach underserved communities.
The region’s total number of hubs is now at 18, making services more accessible across Northern Mindanao.
“DOH has encouraged our municipal health offices, city health offices to establish their own treatment facilities,” Dr. Ronald Romano, City Health Office HIV and AIDS Core team chairperson, said during a media briefing here Friday.
DOH-10 data show Misamis Oriental now has two treatment hubs, with the Manticao opening a new facility in December 2025.
Cagayan de Oro City has four treatment hubs, three of which are government-owned, while each province in the region, including Iligan City, has at least one facility.
Romano said misinformation remains a challenge in helping the public understand that people living with HIV (PLHIV) no longer pose a threat as long as they take daily antiretroviral therapy (ART).
He said the country has 95 percent of PLHIVs adhering to ART, allowing them to live normal lives, with some even having families who remain virus-free.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. covers testing, medical consultations and ART, even for non-paying members. (PNA)