by Hon. Edison Eugenio (SK Champion from Caloocan City) and the UNDP UBRAF Team
Igniting Change at the Barangay Level: The Filipino Youth's Role in HIV Response
January 23, 2025

The HIV epidemic remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines, with the country experiencing one of the fastest-growing rates of new HIV infections in the Asia-Pacific region. While much of the attention around HIV has focused on national-level policies and global initiatives, the key to turning the tide against HIV lies within local communities—specifically, the barangays (villages). The youth of the Philippines, often the driving force of change in communities, play an important role in the national HIV response. Their advocacy, education efforts, and leadership are crucial to addressing the challenges at the grassroots level.
Given the growing HIV epidemic and future projections suggesting an increasing number of people living with HIV (PLHIV), with young key populations (YKPs) expected to account for almost half of new infections, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), and the National Youth Commission (NYC) to develop a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Capacity Building workshop entitled Local Youth Leaders Responding to the Philippine HIV Epidemic. This workshop aimed to target the SK to lead the HIV response in their respective communities and to engage their peers in dispelling stereotypes, reducing stigma, and promoting healthy behaviors.
This workshop was conducted in two phases. Phase I, conducted in September 2024, engaged over 20 youth leaders in foundational training. This training built up the capacity of SK leaders to support and conduct youth-led local HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaigns. Phase II took place in January 2025 and enabled UNDP, DILG, PNAC, and NYC to equip another 55 young leaders to address the complex challenges of high-risk behaviors and HIV prevention, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of youth are at the heart of the HIV response. SAIL Makati also provided the participants with free HIV screening, condoms, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). A total of 23 youth leaders availed of HIV screening. Hon. Edison Eugenio, an SK Champion from Caloocan City, shared the valuable skills and knowledge he gained during Phase I by leading an HIV 101 presentation for his fellow participants in Phase II.

Hon. Edison Eugenio, SK Champion from Caloocan City
Addressing HIV Stigma and Discrimination in the Barangay
One of the most significant challenges in the country’s HIV response is the stigma and discrimination faced by PLHIVs. In barangays, where close-knit social circles often lead to judgment and gossip, the stigma surrounding HIV can discourage individuals from seeking help or even getting tested. To address this challenge, young people are stepping up and advocating for a more compassionate and understanding approach to HIV in their communities. They continue to promote messages of inclusion and support, encouraging their peers to be tested, to know their status, and to access treatment.
For young people in the Philippines, access to relevant and age-appropriate HIV education and services can be difficult. Barangays may lack sufficient resources to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. In response, youth advocates are working to fill this gap by creating educational materials, hosting workshops, and partnering with local health centers to provide free HIV testing and counseling for young people. In the Philippines, where discussions about sexual health can still be considered taboo, youth-led initiatives are crucial in breaking the silence.

DILG Assistant Secretary for Community Participation Elizabeth Lopez De Leon with Sanggunian Kabataan representatives from Caloocan City
HIV Response in Caloocan City
As a youth advocate for the cause, Edison has been deeply involved in the fight against HIV in their barangay. They have witnessed firsthand how important it is for young people to be part of the conversation. Their advocacy work has focused on raising awareness about HIV prevention and creating an environment where young people can discuss sexual health openly and without shame.
Caloocan City is a prime example of youth leading the fight against HIV. A community-wide HIV awareness program that used a combination of street theater, social media campaigns, and peer-to-peer education was conducted. During this program, Edison reached out to local schools, youth centers, and barangay halls to distribute materials on HIV prevention, share stories from young people living with HIV, and encourage people to get tested. “The goal was not only to educate but also to foster a sense of solidarity and community for people living with HIV,” Edison stated.

Participants of the Local Youth Leaders Responding to the Philippine HIV Epidemic Workshop
The Future of HIV Advocacy in the Barangay
The role of youth in the HIV response grows increasingly important as the Philippines continues to struggle with rising HIV rates. By equipping young leaders and leveraging their ability to connect with their peers, a culture of openness and support can be created – which will have a lasting impact on future generations.
The fight against HIV in the Philippines begins at the local level—where young people are making a profound difference. By empowering young people with knowledge and resources, we can create a future where HIV is no longer a source of fear or shame. Let us continue to engage, equip, and invest in young people to create meaningful interventions that are tailor-fit to the needs of their respective areas and communities. Let us commit to building a Philippines and a world where HIV is no longer a threat.