Health officials in the Ilocos Region recorded 191 new HIV cases in the first three months of 2026.

The Department of Health's Center for Health Development (CHD)-Region 1 said HIV remains a serious public health concern. Since 1984, the region has recorded 4,892 HIV cases as of March 2026.

CHD-Region 1 spokesperson, Dr. Rheuel Bobis, said the increase in reported cases is due, partly, to more people getting tested as new infections also continue to occur.

"Tumataas 'yung awareness ng ating mga kababayan na kailangan nilang magpa-test. So, 'yun po ay magandang balita para sa amin. Pangalawa, patuloy pa rin na nagkakaroon tayo ng mga new cases ng HIV,” he said.

In Dagupan City alone, authorities recorded 45 HIV cases in 2025 and eight more cases from January to March 2026, bringing the total to 53 during the period.

Health officials warned that untreated HIV can lead to life-threatening complications.

Dr. Terrence Lapeñas, Medical Officer III of the Dagupan City Health Office, said HIV itself does not cause death directly.

"HIV itself ay hindi nakamamatay. Namamatay ang mga pasyente with HIV due to complications tulad ng mga disease like pneumonia, TB," he said.

He urged people who believe they may have been exposed to seek testing as early as possible.

"Kapag sa tingin nila ay sila ay na-expose, mayroon po kaming free testing kit ng DOH," he said.

Officials said HIV can be managed through early diagnosis and proper medical care, including free services provided by the government.

Bobis emphasized that advances in treatment have significantly improved outcomes for people living with HIV.

"Hindi na katulad ng dati na ang HIV ay talagang death sentence. Ngayon ay hindi na siya death sentence kasi may antiretroviral therapy na tayong tinatawag. Ito po ay gamot na iniinom ng ating people living with HIV," he said.