The highly urbanized city of Bacolod City has launched G-Cares, an official online platform that gives residents easier access to HIV/AIDS-related health services. The soft launch took place earlier this week, alongside a school-based education campaign at Bacolod City College (BCC).
Digital Access to Vital Health Services
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the platform is a response to rising HIV cases in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, which has recorded 1,312 HIV cases as of late 2025. This places the city 22nd among more than 140 local government units nationwide.
“G-Cares makes health services accessible through your mobile phones. Residents can now conveniently book HIV testing and consultations, request medical assistance, access free testing referrals, connect to counseling, and get reliable HIV information—all with strict confidentiality,” Gasataya said.
Behind the Numbers: Real People Affected
The mayor stressed that each statistic represents real lives. “Behind these numbers are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, friends, and loved ones who have been struggling in silence,” he said. The city hopes the platform will reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek testing and treatment.
Legal Protection and Community Partnerships
Alma Gustilo, head of the city’s Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office, noted that persons living with HIV are protected under the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act and the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, especially if HIV-related conditions lead to functional limitations requiring support services.
To strengthen awareness, the city government is collaborating with public and private high schools, colleges, and companies to ensure accurate information about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment reaches all sectors. The G-Cares platform represents a crucial step in making health services more accessible, confidential, and people-centered.
