SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines — The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of South Cotabato has warned residents against dangerous and misleading “myth cures” for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as cases continue to rise across the province, particularly among younger individuals.
John Arlo Codilla, IPHO Disease Prevention and Control Unit Head, cautioned the public against practices such as drinking dissolved soap, consuming cooked coconut, or relying on buko juice as treatment, stressing that these methods are unsafe and have no medical basis.
“These so-called cures are not only ineffective, but they are also dangerous, because they delay proper treatment while the infection continues to worsen,” Codilla said.
Based on provincial health data, STD cases in South Cotabato are steadily increasing, with patients getting younger and infections affecting individuals across all genders.
Codilla emphasized that misinformation remains a major concern in communities, urging residents to seek proper medical consultation from licensed health professionals instead of relying on hearsay or unverified remedies.
“Padayon ang pagtaas sang kaso, kag naga-ubos ang edad sang apektado, gani kinahanglan gid ang husto nga impormasyon kag responsableng pangabuhi para malikawan ini,” he added.
Based on the December 2025 data, there were 142 new cases found positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Cotabato.
The HIV incidence in the province is among young people of reproductive age, Codilla noted.
Health officials reiterated that accurate information and early treatment remain key in preventing complications, calling on the public to reject harmful practices and prioritize science-based healthcare.
