Caraga now has 11 HIV treatment hubs - DOH official
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — “Awareness is the key to counter the threat of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV),” says Dr. Amethyst Kathleen Alicante, cluster head of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga during her talk at the Dagyaw 2025: Open Government Townhall Meeting on August 28 at the Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City.
Dagyaw, an annual event spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), conducted a survey on the most pressing issues of today which will serve as the topic for this year’s conduct.
Youth-impacting issues such as teenage pregnancy, HIV, substance abuse, suicide, and abuse garnered the highest score in the polls which birthed this year’s theme, “Kabataan 360: Kalusugan, Karapatan, Katarungan.”
As part of the first topic entitled, “Kalusugan,” referring to the health issues being experienced by the youth today, Alicante spoke on behalf of the health sector after hearing the story of a young person living with HIV (PLHIV).
“As we’ve heard from the sharer, one thing he struggled the most in his journey was the stigma that comes with the disease. And so, we at DOH advocate for intensified awareness especially for the youth,” shared Alicante.
“They must be made aware of the symptoms [of HIV], where and how to seek treatment, and how to prevent or avoid the disease,” she added.
Alicante acknowledged that the insufficiency of HIV treatment hubs has long been a problem not only for Caraga, but for the entire country, as well. However, the DOH official proudly relayed the good news to the audience and also to the online viewers of the event, that for this year, Caraga now has 11 DOH-accredited HIV treatment hubs in the region.
These treatment hubs are situated across the different provinces to cater to each local populace:
Adella Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (Tandag, Surigao del Sur)
Butuan Medical Center (Butuan City, Agusan del Norte)
Caraga Regional Hospital (Surigao City, Surigao del Norte)
Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur)
Valentina Galido Plaza Memorial Hospital (Bunawan, Agusan del Sur)
Tubod Rural Health Unit/Primary Care Facility (Tubod, Surigao del Norte)
an Francisco Rural Health Unit/Primary Care Facility (San Francisco, Agusan del Sur)
Manuel J. Santos Hospital (Butuan City, Agusan del Norte)
Bislig District Hospital (Bislig City, Surigao del Sur)
Dinagat District Hospital (Escolta, Dinagat)
CHO Care and Wellness Clinic (Surigao City, Surigao del Norte)
Expanding HIV treatment hubs is a powerful step toward a healthier future—especially for the youth, who often face barriers in accessing care. By increasing the availability of testing, diagnosis, and treatment services, not only are health outcomes improved but will also foster a culture of early intervention, education, and support.
These hubs can serve as safe spaces where PLHIVs feel empowered to take control of their health, break the stigma, and build resilience. The ripple effect of this investment will definitely be felt across communities for generations. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
