Oriental Mindoro has highest HIV cases in Mimaropa
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Oriental Mindoro has the highest number of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases in the Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region.
The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) made this report based on its November 2025 data.
According to the DOH report on Saturday (Feb. 21), the province has recorded a total of 745 cases since 1999.
In November 2025 alone, 12 new cases were reported.
Across the region, Palawan has recorded 632 cases, Occidental Mindoro 330, Romblon 197 and Marinduque 148.
In Oriental Mindoro, the breakdown of cases is as follows: Calapan City – 206; Pinamalayan – 76; Naujan – 68; Bongabong – 53; Puerto Galera – 51; Roxas – 46; Gloria – 43; Victoria – 36; Socorro – 34; Bansud – 31; Baco – 26; Bulalacao – 15; and San Teodoro – 14.
The DOH said most cases involve individuals aged 25 to 34. Of the 745 recorded cases, 365 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are currently undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
In a statement, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Cielo Ante said the increasing number of HIV cases in Oriental Mindoro reflects both the continuing public health challenge and intensified efforts to detect and manage the disease.
“Since 2015, when the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital began offering free HIV testing and services, it has become the primary referral center in the province and neighboring areas for HIV screening and the dispensing of free antiretroviral drugs (ARV) to diagnosed cases,” Ante said on Saturday.
In response to the UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets for 2030—meaning 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression—the province shifted from passive to active case finding.
This was to ensure timely diagnosis and proper management of PLHIV, Ante noted.
She added that in 2024 and 2025 alone, Oriental Mindoro tested 13,212 individuals, underscoring both the expanding reach and accessibility of HIV testing services in the province.
“Through the initiatives of the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro, the province remains steadfast in its commitment to the goals of the DOH and UNAIDS in improving health outcomes among PLHIV,” Ante added. /apl
