MANILA — House Deputy Majority Leader and former Health Secretary Janette Garin emphasized that instead of declaring a public health emergency due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the government should focus on making medicines available and accessible.

“We really don’t need to declare a public health emergency, pero ang kailangan dito ay constant reminder. Declaring a national health emergency will not make any difference,” Garin said.

She explained that such a declaration is typically made when there’s a need to secure additional funding, rapidly mobilize resources, or strengthen international partnerships—conditions she believes are not necessary in the current HIV situation.

“Nagdedeklara ka kasi ng public health emergency kung kailangan mong maghanap ng panibagong pondo, magmobilize ng resources, at paigtingin ang mga global collaboration,” added the Iloilo First District representative.

Garin noted that the increase in reported HIV cases is expected, as more individuals are now getting tested compared to previous years.

“Unang-una, itong kaso ng HIV, talagang expected na natin na tumaas—not because mababa siya dati, kundi mataas na siya dati pero hindi lang natetest. Yung availability of testing at awareness ng tao, ‘yan ang nagpapataas ng kaso.”

According to the Department of Health, there have been 57 new confirmed HIV cases reported daily from January to March this year—a 500% increase compared to previous years.

Garin stressed the need to raise public awareness about HIV to help prevent new infections and to protect individuals, particularly by addressing the stigma around the disease.

“Our constant reminder—no to stigma, no to discrimination, at paano mapoprotektahan ang bawat isa para hindi na dumami ang nagpopositibo dito,” she said.

She reiterated that compassion, education, and access to medical care—not fear—are the most effective tools in protecting individuals and communities from HIV.