The City Council has urged the 66 barangays in Puerto Princesa to establish their Barangay HIV/AIDS Teams (BHAT) in accordance with the local AIDS Council’s guidelines.
Under the proposed resolution sponsored by Councilor Roy Ventura on Monday, the creation of BHAT will help prevent and reduce the number of the HIV and AIDS cases in the city.
“Considering the increase in the recorded number of HIV and AIDS cases in the city, there is an urgent need to undertake preventive measures which is also pursuant to law,” Ventura said.
He also cited City Ordinance 815 which institutionalizes the comprehensive program for the awareness, prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections, HIV and AIDS in Puerto Princesa City and thereby strengthening the local aids council (PPC-LAC) providing funds for its implementation.
Ventura emphasized that the establishment of the BHAT is mandated by law which directs all LAC to implement locally-based, multi-sectoral community response to HIV and AIDS.
