Thirty-six (36) Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental were trained in facilitating HIV and AIDS discussion and integrating HIV/AIDS response in the local youth development plans through the “Local Youth Leaders Responding to the Philippine HIV Epidemic” workshop.

Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), and the National Youth Commission (NYC), the workshop is part of an ongoing training series that has trained over 113 SK leaders since 2024, with the aim of empowering youth to take an active role in addressing the HIV epidemic.

This initiative is especially timely, as the Department of Health (DOH) recently reported a 500% increase in HIV cases from January to March 2025 compared to the same period last year. While the sharp rise in cases is alarming, especially among young people aged 15 and above, it also reflects a growing openness among individuals and key populations to get tested and seek HIV-related services, underscoring the urgent need for accessible, youth-friendly, and stigma-free responses.

“Everything is connected. If we have an effective health care system, we will be able to protect our constituents from any diseases like HIV and AIDS,” said Magsaysay municipality Mayor Charlie Buhisan.

Youth leaders, particularly the Sangguniang Kabataan, are in a unique position to engage with their peers. Their involvement is crucial in challenging stereotypes, reducing stigma, promoting healthy behaviors, and advocating for community-based programs that tackle the root causes of health disparities. These young leaders also have the platform to push for policy reforms that support a more inclusive and responsive health system.

“Importante na matutunan kung paano gumamit ng proteksyon para maiwasan ang HIV at AIDS at importanteng ma-access po ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan ng pamahalaan (It's important to learn how to use protection to prevent HIV and AIDS, and it's also important to have access to government health services),” shared Paola Pilapil, one of the participating youth leaders.

The workshop seeks to develop HIV and AIDS champions among the youth by: (1) educating them on the role of local policy development and reform in the national HIV response; (2) strengthening their capacity to lead youth-led HIV awareness and prevention campaigns; and (3) ensuring the integration of HIV and AIDS response into local youth development plans, especially the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plans (CBYDP) and the Annual Barangay Youth Investment Plans (ABYIP).

“We need to emphasize HIV prevention in ways that resonate with the lived realities of young people,” said UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran. “Equally important are testing and treatment services, so that people living with HIV are brought into care, supported, and able to consistently access the treatment they need.”

Furthermore, addressing the HIV epidemic advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), while also upholding human rights, gender equality, justice, and inclusive partnerships.

By producing more HIV champions, the programme envisions not only training more leaders but also cultivating a sustainable network of advocates who will continuously initiate, implement, and strengthen HIV-related policies and programmes in their communities, ensuring lasting impact and continued progress in the HIV response over time.