THE RISE in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases across the country was a significant concern in 2024. In Western Visayas (WV), including Negros Occidental and Bacolod, there were 1,220 new HIV cases reported in last year’s data. This placed the region fifth nationwide for the highest number of HIV cases, following the National Capital Region (NCR), Region IV-A (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Region III (Central Luzon), and Region VII-A (Central Visayas).
The primary factor behind this growing HIV epidemic is the increasing number of men who have sex with men (MSM).
Why is this happening?
Experts point to low condom usage as the key culprit behind the alarming rise in HIV cases in the Philippines. Only 40% of sexually active young people are using condoms during sexual encounters. Additionally, 79% of those confirmed to be HIV-positive in the country fall within the 15-34 age group, according to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
Given these statistics, it is clear that condom use plays a critical role in the ongoing fight against HIV. Without proper treatment, HIV can progress to the dreaded acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which remains a significant public health challenge.
Baybayin-Inspired Advocacy
What intrigued me most about this report on HIV was the unique campaign launched by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting protection among high-risk individuals to prevent HIV infections in the country.
As AHF continues to evolve, it has adopted a more innovative and culturally resonant approach to advocating condom use among young people — this time by incorporating a nationalistic touch.
The organization rolled out four major programs in key cities across the country, each integrating history, heritage, culture, and art into its condom-use advocacy. These initiatives include:
* “Kaalaman” Art Box – Baguio City
* “Proteksyon” Art Box – Caloocan City
* “Ligaya” Art Box – Bacolod City
* “Pagmamahal” Art Box – Iloilo City
All four projects are Baybayin-inspired, featuring artwork by visual artist Ian Lucero on the packaging, adding a distinct Filipino identity to the campaign.
Artful Condom Packaging
But what exactly is Baybayin?
And how does it connect to AHF’s condom advocacy?
It may seem like an unusual combination.
Baybayin is an ancient writing system used in the Philippines before Spanish colonization. However, many Filipinos today, especially the younger generation, have little to no knowledge of it. So how can Baybayin be an effective tool in promoting condom use, particularly among millennials?
To get a clearer picture, I spoke with Dr. Ryan Guinaran, AHF Philippines’ country manager. And to be honest, I was stunned by his vivid explanation of the Baybayin-inspired condom packaging.
Dr. Ryan admitted that integrating Baybayin into their condom advocacy was no ordinary concept. In fact, it was a topic of debate in their strategy discussions.
It may be difficult to grasp at first, but when AHF commissioned visual artist Ian Lucero for the project, he ensured that the Baybayin concept, along with the artwork and logo on AHF’s condom packaging, would be simple, relatable, and visually engaging — especially for young people.
Taboo No More
So, what is the core message of this Baybayin-inspired condom advocacy?
Dr. Guinaran put it simply: “What we really want is to erase the stigma around buying and carrying condoms.”
In the Philippines, purchasing condoms over the counter still feels like a taboo. People tend to stare when someone buys a pack from a drugstore or a 24/7 convenience store, as if it’s something shameful.
But with Baybayin-inspired condoms — “Kaalaman”, “Proteksyon”, “Ligaya”, and “Pagmamahal” — the goal is to change this perception. The idea is to make condom use feel more natural and less awkward.
According to Dr. Ryan, young people will no longer feel embarrassed carrying these specially designed packs. However, he clarified that AHF is not promoting sex among millennials. Instead, the advocacy is purely about protection — for both the young and the old who are sexually active or at higher risk.
The message is clear.
From the usual fruit-flavored condoms, we now have Baybayin-inspired ones, “flavored” with history, heritage, culture, and art.
What a unique and groundbreaking approach to condom advocacy!
Strong Family Foundation
Beyond condom use, Dr. Ryan emphasizes that a strong family foundation is also crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Why?
According to AHF, the internet and social media have become the leading factors enticing young people to explore sex through easily accessible dating apps. The problem is that many of them lack the proper knowledge to protect themselves from unsafe sex, which often leads to HIV infection.
While sex education is included in the DepEd curriculum from elementary to high school, the topic is approached with sensitivity. Lessons on sexual health are carefully structured to align with students’ age appropriateness, making comprehensive discussions somewhat limited.
Because of this, Dr. Ryan stresses that safe sex conversations should begin at home, within the family, before children reach adolescence and become vulnerable to risky behaviors.
Just Use It
Talking about condoms often comes with a long list of “dos and don’ts.”
Many people are still uncomfortable discussing condoms and, by extension, sex itself. Even in media, reports about condoms are sometimes viewed as unseemly or inappropriate.
But at a time when HIV cases are on the rise, the conversation about condom use is not just relevant — it’s essential. No more “buts” and “ifs”.
Some argue that using a condom during sex is like wearing a raincoat while bathing in the rain — that it lessens the sensation. Partner resistance is also a common reason for low condom use.
However, in today’s reality, sex outside a faithful relationship — even between husbands and wives — is a risk.
Regardless of the scenario — whether it’s man-to-man, man-to-woman, or both – using a condom is a must.
Simply put, if you’re even slightly unsure about your partner, always think protection.
Got it?
Just use it. Stay safe!/PN
