By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City recorded its highest number of deaths in relation to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2025 since monitoring began in 1995, according to local health officials.

Jonathan Diaz, focal person of the city’s HIV Awareness Campaign, said 25 individuals died due to complications due to HIV last year.

Data from the city showed that 183 HIV cases were recorded from January to November 2025.

Of the total cases, 171 involved males while 12 were females.

Most of those who tested positive belonged to the 25 to 34 age group.

Diaz also revealed that the youngest recorded HIV-positive patient in the city was 15 years old.

Based on the accumulated records from 1995 to 2025, Bacolod has logged a total of 1,392 HIV cases and 200 deaths.

Despite the increase in fatalities, Diaz said the rise in HIV cases during the first quarter of 2026 was partly due to intensified testing efforts conducted by the Department of Health.

However, the exact number of new cases this year has yet to be finalized.

In line with the global observance honoring individuals who died from HIV-related illnesses, the city government will participate in the worldwide Mass and Candlelight Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, May 16.

The activity will be held at a mall starting at 2:00 p.m.

Free HIV testing services will also be offered during the event./CJ, WDJ