KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — The construction of the IPHO Health and Wellness Clinic, which will also function as South Cotabato’s HIV/AIDS Primary Care Facility and Public Health Laboratory, has reached its final inspection phase.
Funded by the Provincial Government with a total allocation of ₱19,986,899.58, the facility is one of the flagship health initiatives under the administration of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. The project is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services and direct support to individuals living with HIV in the province.
According to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), the completion of the facility represents a critical advancement in South Cotabato’s continuing efforts to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Over the years, the IPHO has led active and widespread HIV testing campaigns, resulting in earlier detection of the virus — especially among high-risk groups engaged in unsafe sexual practices.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, weakens the body’s immune system and increases vulnerability to infections and certain cancers. If untreated, it can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the most severe stage of HIV infection. However, early diagnosis and consistent treatment significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Once operational, the new health facility is expected to make HIV treatment and related healthcare services more accessible to the people of South Cotabato. The clinic will serve as a one-stop center offering consultation, testing, counseling, and antiretroviral therapy (ART).
“This project is a testament to our continued commitment to public health — ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to access to essential healthcare services,” Governor Tamayo stated in an earlier message.
The facility is also expected to reduce the burden on patients by eliminating long travel times and ensuring they receive treatment with privacy, dignity, and compassion.
Following the final inspection and completion of operational protocols, the Provincial Government, through the IPHO, is set to officially launch the clinic. Health officials remain optimistic that the facility will not only improve treatment outcomes but also play a vital role in HIV prevention and awareness through education campaigns.
The near completion of the HIV/AIDS Primary Care Facility marks a significant milestone in South Cotabato’s public health infrastructure and underscores the local government’s commitment to building a healthier, more inclusive, and compassionate province.
