The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Protective Services Division, joined the Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on December 2, 2025 at SM City Butuan Events Center, in commemoration of World AIDS Day, highlighting strengthened services and collaborative initiatives for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
DSWD Caraga’s Protective Services Division Sectoral Unit Head, Ms. Melanie G. Juan, reported that the Field Office served 213 PLHIV this year, with 179 males (84%) and 34 females (16%), noting that HIV cases remain more prevalent among males. She added that assistance extended across the region included medical, food, cash, educational, and transportation support tailored to the needs of clients.
Across provinces, Agusan del Norte recorded the highest number of assisted PLHIVs at 91, followed by Agusan del Sur with 60, Surigao del Norte with 38, Surigao del Sur with 20, and the Province of Dinagat Islands with 4, ensuring that immediate needs were addressed through various forms of support.
Other resource persons presented updates on the regional HIV response, including DOH Caraga’s Arlene M. Serrano, SHIP–PSFI’s Anthony T. Torralba, PhilHealth Caraga’s Efren Alexis A. Tayag, and Amoma Caraga Inc.’s Anmarc P. Orosia, who discussed agency programs for PLHIV, ongoing initiatives, and developments under the PhilHealth OHAT package.
The Kapihan included an open forum with media partners to clarify issues and broaden public awareness, and was spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as part of the region’s collective call to intensify efforts in the fight against HIV.
