KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has completed the ₱19.98-million IPHO Health and Wellness Clinic in Barangay Paraiso, expanding HIV care and public health services under Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr..
Located in Koronadal City, the facility serves as an HIV/AIDS Primary Care Center and Public Health Laboratory, offering complete treatment and support for persons living with HIV (PLHIV).
The clinic provides dental care, pharmacy services, STI treatment and management, a mental health clinic, X-ray, and complete laboratory services. It also houses clinical and virology laboratories, rapid TB and molecular testing, and specialized labs for schistosomiasis, malaria, and filaria. A TB DOTS clinic is also integrated into the facility.
John Arlo Codilla, head of the Disease Prevention and Control Unit of the South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office, said the clinic strengthens the province’s disease response and access to care.
“This facility ensures complete and continuous treatment for our clients, especially PLHIV, from testing to management,” Codilla said.
He added that the center will serve as the province’s main referral facility for public health services and a training hub for healthcare workers.
Codilla also confirmed the establishment of a drop-in center for PLHIV who are neglected or in distress.
“Actually nag hire na tayo ngayon ng mga staff and train them immediately,” Codilla shared.
The provincial government said the project will improve disease detection, treatment, and overall healthcare delivery across South Cotabato.
Data showed 142 new PLHIV are added as of September, 2025. A seven-year old is the youngest through a mother to child transmission, Codilla said.
Codilla said the province has recorded a total of 1,278 HIV cases over the years.
