Tech access, no sex ed fuel rising HIV cases

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June 7, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Easy access to technology compounded by systemic gaps in reproductive health education is driving a troubling increase in HIV infections among young Filipinos, the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) revealed yesterday.

In an interview on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program, PNAC executive director Joselito Feliciano attributed the rise in new HIV cases among youth to the widespread use of online platforms that facilitate casual sexual encounters, which significantly heightens the risk of transmission.

“It is unfortunate that the new HIV cases recorded in the country are getting younger. Because of the advent of technology, they can easily search for sexual partners online or through the internet,” he said.

He noted that many young people, who are active internet users, can now easily connect with potential sexual partners through various applications.

Compounding the issue is the lack of adequate HIV awareness and education. According to PNAC, a recent study found that public access to accurate information about HIV remains limited, leaving many Filipinos, particularly the youth, uninformed about prevention and protection measures.

Feliciano warned that “if the ‘business as usual’ attitude continues, HIV cases may reach half a million by 2030.”
To prevent this, he emphasized the need to equip young people with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves and others, from knowing when to get tested to using proper protection.
“If the youth is armed with the right information on HIV, they would know how to protect themselves as well as their families and loved ones. If they are properly informed, they know when to get tested, what kind of protection they should have in order not to get infected,” said Feliciano.

HIV surge

Adding to the growing statistics on HIV, BHW party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co reported yesterday that HIV-AIDS transmission is most severe in six regions of the country.

Citing data from PNAC, Co said that 80 percent of HIV cases are concentrated in six highly urbanized regions: National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Davao Region.

To curb the spread, Co recommended concentrating efforts on early testing, preventive education and accessible treatment services in the most affected regions. –  Jose Rodel Clapano