KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 2, 2026 — In a proactive move to address the rising cases of HIV and promote social inclusion, the South Cotabato Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) has launched a series of high-impact awareness campaigns, combining academic education with accessible community-based medical services.
John Arlo Codilla, RN, MMHeA, head of the Infectious Disease Cluster of the OPHO, served as the resource speaker during the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) learning session hosted by the Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU).
During his discussion, Codilla emphasized that understanding SOGIE is a critical foundation for public health advocacy.
“Creating safe and inclusive spaces is not just a social goal—it is a health imperative. When individuals feel respected and safe, they are more likely to seek out health services and engage in preventive measures,” Codilla noted.
The event, held at the university campus, sought to dismantle stigma and foster an environment of respect for diversity within the Marista community.
The session focused on clarifying the distinctions between identity, expression, and orientation; promoting a culture of empathy within the academic setting; and strengthening the university’s advocacy for equality and student well-being.
Meanwhile, simultaneous with the educational efforts, the OPHO expanded its reach through a Free Mobile HIV & Syphilis Testing initiative in various towns in the province especially during town fiestas and other big events in the barangays.
The HIV mobile unit was deployed in the Municipality of Banga, a highlight of the town’s week-long foundation anniversary.
The mobile testing clinic offered on-the-spot results for participants, personalized sessions to ensure patients are informed and supported; professional medical staff ensured that all results remained private, encouraging more residents to “know their status” without fear of judgment.
Codilla said the campaign comes at a vital time for the province.
Recent data from the OPHO indicates a trend of new HIV cases among younger demographics, specifically the 15-24 and 25-34 age brackets.
“By bringing testing to festival and education to universities and town events, health officials hope to bridge the gap between awareness and action,” he added.
The South Cotabato provincial government continues to encourage the public to visit the HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) Clinic or avail of mobile services, reminding everyone that early detection leads to life-saving treatment, which remains free and accessible to all South Cotabateños.
