Policy Basis for LGU Involvement In HIV Prevention

In the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, Governments acknowledged and expressed concern that:

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a global emergency and one of the most formidable challenges to life and dignity, to the enjoyment of human rights, and to economic development. It affects all levels of society, from nations to individuals. [par. 2]

The continuing spread of HIV/AIDS is a serious obstacle to the realization of global development goals. [par. 5]

Governments affirmed:

There is a need for an urgent, coordinated and sustained response to the epidemic, which builds on lessons learned in the last 20 years. [par. 7]

In some countries, progress has been made in containing the epidemic, particularly through strong political commitment; effective use of resources and traditional medicines; successful prevention, care and treatment strategies; partnerships with communities, civil societies, people living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable groups; the promotion of human rights; and sharing experiences through international and regional cooperation. [par. 27]

Key roles are played by communities; partnerships among governments; the United Nations system; intergovernmental organizations; people living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable groups; medical, scientific and educational institutions; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); the business sector including pharmaceutical companies; trade unions; the media; parliamentarians; foundations; community organizations; faith-based organizations; and traditional leaders. [par. 32]

People living with HIV/AIDS, young people and civil society play a particularly important role in addressing the epidemic. They must be fully involved in the design, planning, implementation and effective responses to HIV/AIDS. [par. 33]

Humanitarian organizations, including the volunteers of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, have made efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the most affected areas all over the world. [par. 34]

Republic Act 8504

The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 (RA 8504) clearly establishes the role of national and local government in HIV/AIDS prevention activities.

Sec. 2 of the law specifies that the State must:

• Promote public awareness about the causes, modes of transmission, consequences and means of prevention of HIV/AIDS
• Organize and conduct a comprehensive nationwide educational and information HIV/AIDS campaign
• Use scientifically proven approaches for HIV/AIDS prevention
  
  Art. I, Sec. 9 of this law, HIV/AIDS Education in Communities, further states that this responsibility extends to the LGUs, who should work with NGOs and other civil society groups, to carry out these prevention activities;
  
  “Local government units, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), shall conduct an education and information campaign on HIV/AIDS. The provincial governor, city or municipal mayor and the barangay captain shall coordinate such campaigns among concerned government agencies, non government organizations and church-based groups.”

Local Government Code of 1991

The Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) states that:

• Local government units should exercise their powers to promote the health and safety of the inhabitants. (Chapter 2, Sec. 16)
• Local government units should promote non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as active partners, and (Chapter 4, Sec. 34)
• Local government may “enter into joint ventures and such other cooperative arrangements with people and non-governmental organizations to engage in the delivery of certain basic services...’ (Chapter 4, Sec. 35)
• A local government unit may, through its local chief executive and with the concurrence of the sanggunian concerned, provide assistance, financial or otherwise, to such people’s and non-governmental organizations for economic, socially-oriented, environmental or cultural projects to be implemented within its territorial jurisdiction.”

DILG Memorandum Circular 99-233: HIV/ AIDS Education in Communities and Related Concerns

A Memorandum Circular issued in December 1999 recognizing HIV and AIDS prevention and control is a shared responsibility between the national and local governments, and for that matter with other sectors of society as well.  Towards this end, all Local Chief Executives are hereby enjoined to:

• Develop and implement programs of projects in furtherance of the provisions of RA 8504
• Cause the enactment of ordinances, where there is none, or review existing ordinances on the matter to ensure their relevance in support of overall HIV and AIDS prevention and control efforts