Recognizing that the youth remain among the most vulnerable populations, Quezon City has launched Hakdaw Kabataan—a groundbreaking partnership between the Quezon City Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH).
This initiative equips youth leaders to become Community-Based HIV Screening (CBS) Motivators, enabling them to spearhead peer-to-peer testing drives and raise awareness within their barangays. In 2024 alone, the program trained over 60 young volunteers and facilitated HIV testing for an impressive 1,940 individuals.
Starting March 2024, the City Health Department, through its Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, expanded efforts to educate families by conducting orientations for Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs). These sessions aimed to better inform parents and educators about HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections. Simultaneously, on-campus testing and awareness campaigns have been rolled out for students.
“I am calling on all young QCitizens to be part of this advocacy. This fight cannot be won without you,” emphasized Mayor Joy Belmonte. “You are not just the most affected—you are also our most powerful weapon. By stepping up, speaking out, and getting tested, you are helping build a healthier, more livable, and stigma-free Quezon City.”
These initiatives fall under the city’s broader “Bahagi Ka ng Solusyon” campaign, which encourages every resident to take an active role in HIV & AIDS prevention. The campaign promotes a culture of shared responsibility, openness, and compassion—aiming to dismantle stigma and normalize conversations around sexual health.
Despite the rise in reported cases, Quezon City remains firmly on track to meet its Zero @ 2030 target, thanks to the collective efforts of its government agencies, civil society organizations, and the proactive spirit of its QCitizens.