Mindoro is grappling with a growing health crisis as HIV cases surge in the region.

Puerto Galera, a beach town in Oriental Mindoro known for its pristine shores and vibrant nightlife, is at the epicenter of this alarming trend.

According to recent data from the Department of Health (DoH), Oriental Mindoro has recorded 532 HIV cases since 1988, making it the second-highest in the Mimaropa region.

The neighboring Occidental Mindoro has reported 198 cases in the same period.

Dr. Christy Andaya, Infectious Disease Cluster head at the DoH Regional office, attributes the rise in infections to “risky behavior” in intimate relationships.

“There are several factors contributing to the continuous increase in the number of infections, but all these boil down to risky behaviors of individuals,” Andaya explained during a recent forum organized by the Philippine News Agency (PIA).

The entire Mimaropa region, which includes Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, has seen a total of 2,071 HIV cases since 1988.

Alarmingly, 130 of these cases were detected in just the first four months of 2024, signaling a rapid acceleration of the epidemic.

While Puerto Princesa in Palawan leads with 656 cases, the combined total for Mindoro’s two provinces stands at 730, underscoring the severity of the situation on the island.

As local health officials scramble to address the HIV crisis, another health-related development in Oriental Mindoro has hit a roadblock.

The proposed conversion of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital into a DoH-run Regional Hospital faces delays due to legislative hurdles and a surprising shift in local government support.

Regional Director Mario Baquilod emphasized that the conversion requires new legislation.

“We leave it up to the legislature as to when the conversion would be undertaken. Any conversion requires a law, like for allotment of funds and rules and regulations,” Baquilod stated.

A bill for the hospital’s conversion, introduced by Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan, was approved by the Lower House in March 2023.

However, the process has stalled in the Senate following an unexpected counterproposal from Governor Humerlito Dolor, who now advocates for constructing a new facility instead.

As Mindoro grapples with these pressing health issues, from the rising HIV cases to the challenges in improving healthcare infrastructure, the islands’ reputation as a carefree paradise is being tested.

Local officials and health experts are now racing against time to implement effective measures and raise awareness to curb the spread of HIV in the tropical getaway. (source: DOH and PIA)