MONCADA, TARLAC β The Municipality of Moncada has strengthened its local response to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and AIDS with the signing of Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-011, or the βMoncada HIV/AIDS and STI Ordinance of 2026,β by Mayor Ramon Benito M. Aquino.
Enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan on September 15, 2026, the ordinance establishes a comprehensive local framework for the prevention and control of STIs, HIV, and AIDS, while strengthening education, testing, treatment, counseling, confidentiality, and community-based support.
A key provision of the ordinance is the creation of the Moncada Local HIV/AIDS and STI Council (MLHASC), a multi-sectoral body that will serve as the municipalityβs primary coordinating mechanism for HIV/AIDS and STI programs. The Council will bring together representatives from the local government, health sector, education, social welfare, youth, women, persons with disabilities, law enforcement, civil society, business, academe, and other relevant sectors.
The ordinance also strengthens Balai Moncalinga as the LGU-operated HIV/AIDS and STI Hub under the Municipal Health Office. It provides for personnel, diagnostic and testing services, counseling, case management, treatment and referral services, including access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for persons living with HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for eligible clients.
It further emphasizes informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, privacy, and non-discrimination in HIV testing and related services. HIV testing shall require written informed consent, while pregnant women and tuberculosis patients are to be offered testing without making such testing mandatory.
The measure also institutionalizes STI, HIV, and AIDS education and awareness programs in schools, government and private offices, health facilities, barangays, and other community settings. It provides for community mobilization, capability-building, youth-oriented activities, and participation in annual awareness observances such as the Candlelight Memorial and World AIDS Day.
For entertainment establishments and workers in similar occupations, the ordinance requires regular medical counseling, seminars, and screening through Balai Moncalinga or accredited facilities. It likewise provides safeguards concerning the employment of minors, prohibited activities, health information, and compliance with applicable privacy requirements.
Violations involving covered entertainment establishments may carry fines and/or imprisonment depending on the number of offenses, with possible revocation of business permits after due process and investigation.
Authored and sponsored by Coun. Janius John C. Yasay, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, the measure forms part of Moncadaβs continuing efforts to strengthen its local health system through preventive, accessible, confidential, and coordinated services for STI and HIV/AIDS concerns.
Through Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-011, the local government reinforces its commitment to providing accurate health information, accessible services, and coordinated support while protecting the rights, privacy, and dignity of individuals seeking care.
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