In recent weeks, it feels like every scroll through the news brings up the same alarming headline: HIV cases in the Philippines are on the rise—and fast. According to the Department of Health (DOH), an average of 57 Filipinos are diagnosed with HIV every single day in the first quarter of 2025. That’s up from 37 daily cases during the same period last year.
Even more concerning? The majority of these new cases are among young Filipinos aged 15–24.
Let’s break it down. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system, by targeting cells that help fight diseases. Left untreated, the immune system becomes weakened enough to lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It’s commonly transmitted through unprotected sex, needle-sharing, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
To this day, there is no known cure for HIV or AIDS. The good news: modern medicine has come a long way. With proper treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives. What’s more, a 2018 law now allows young Filipinos aged 15 and over to get tested without parental consent—a huge step in making testing more accessible.
Still, despite available credible resources, misinformation runs rampant. Social media is flooded with myths, outdated ideas, and stigma—especially targeting the LGBTQIA+ community, which continues to face discrimination as the epidemic grows.
This reality makes it all the more important to support organizations whose efforts to destigmatize the virus and help people manage their HIV status, especially in a third-world country like the Philippines, where stigma and access remain real barriers.
That’s where LoveYourself steps in.
What started as a small, community-based outreach is now a full-blown movement. LoveYourself is a nonprofit that provides free HIV testing, treatment, and sexual health education—plus mental health support for those who need it. Their Cebu branch is a hub of care and community, powered by passionate volunteers and professionals (many of whom are part of the LGBTQIA+ community themselves).
“In fact, 90% of our employees, staff, and volunteers are part of the community,” says Mitch Paca, Head and Hub Manager of LoveYourself Cebu. “So, for us, LoveYourself is our safe haven, where everyone feels so welcomed without judgment or discrimination, or [without] feeling like an outcast.”
In the face of increased HIV cases in the country, LoveYourself is doubling down on its endeavors to combat the rise and heightened discrimination by embracing as many opportunities to educate the public about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and ways to protect one’s sexual health.
This Pride Month 2025, LoveYourself Cebu is turning up the volume. Teaming up with Cebu Pride Movements, they launched their “Stand Proudly & Love Loudly” campaign—an initiative that’s all about awareness, education, and celebration. Expect everything from fun (see: the June 28 Pride Parade and June 29 Pride Picnic) to informative: think talks, testing opportunities, and more.
The goal? Normalize HIV testing and make it easier for young Cebuanos to know their status—and take charge of their health. Paca hopes that fellow Cebuanos, especially the youth, get a chance to get tested for HIV to know their status and to keep themselves protected and safe.
“This Pride Month, I’m encouraging everyone to get tested,” says Paca. “Because here at LoveYourself, testing is free, prevention is free, treatment is free.”
LoveYourself Cebu currently operates in two locations. You’ll find the LoveYourself White House at the old Coffee Prince café—beside Suarez and Sons and across CDU Hospital on Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City. For those closer to Mactan, there’s also JEM by LoveYourself, located on the 2nd floor of Mactan Town Center in Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City.
Follow @loveyourself.ph and LoveYourself Cebu on Facebook and Inslotagram for updates, testing schedules, and more ways to get involved.
Photography Kyrra Kho
