A report released by the Department of Health (DOH) in  March 2016 revealed a total of  32,647 (January 1984-March 2016) reported cases of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) with 25 Filipinos being  diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) daily.

However, this statistics could even be higher given that they are based only on who get tested and not on the entire population. In Region II, there is a growing population of PLHIV.

Health experts fear that as this generation ages, more and more people will have HIV. Hence, the only way to stop it is prevention. How can this be done

“Be informed. Get tested!” This is Mikhail Carreon Taggueg’s stand on how this  epidemic can be curbed.

Taggueg is a PLHIV, a DOH-Certified HIV Counselor and  Founder of  the Cagayan Valley Support System. He has become the face and  voice of PLHIV in Cagayan Valley.

Risky behaviour

During DSWD FO 02’s “DSWD Dos on Air!” radio program at DWPE Radyo ng Bayan Tuguegarao City, Taggueg shared how he contracted the virus and the painful lessons he learned.

“It was my risky behavior that led me to this condition. As a young adult, I frequented places where most party goers gravitate during certain weekends and indulged  in unprotected sex,” shared Taggueg.

His world came crashing down when the diagnosis was handed to him.  It pained him knowing that he had let his parents down specially his father who works abroad to put food on their table and send his siblings to school.

After a bout of depression, he finally accepted his condition and mustered enough courage to put his life back on track. He sought out medical help, found solace in the embrace of his family and friends and the community of PLHIV that he helps.

“I vowed to do greater things for my community through a HIV awareness advocacy. This way, I will be able to help curbed the HIV epidemic in the country. HIV is not a death sentence. You can get back to your normal if you get tested early.” added Taggueg.

Signs of hope

Taggueg and other PLHIV in the region also found comfort in the hands of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02.

“The medical assistance that the DSWD is extending to us is of big help but greater than this is the psycho social support that it provides to PLHIV. Our faith is strengthened with the support that DSWD poured on  us,” said Taggueg.

Ms. Ramonita Malubag, DSWD FO 02 Focal Person for PWDs and PLHIV, has made it her personal advocacy to help her clients with HIV.

“It is alarming that this epidemic is targeting key population, meaning from 15-34 year old, according to DOH data. Thus, we are intensifying our advocacy efforts for awareness and encourage the younger populace to be cautious, be mindful of their risky behavior and ultimately, to get tested should they have been living a risky lifestyle,” she said. ### By: Gela Flor R. Perez, Regional Information Officer II