DSWD HIV Referral Book FINAL AND PUBLISHED

United Nations
Development
Programme
A Referral System for Care

and Support Services for
Persons Living with HIV and
their Families in the Community
Referral System for Care and Support Services for Persons Living with HIV in the Community 1
A Referral System for
Care and Support
Services for Persons Department of Social
Living with HIV and Welfare & Development
Social Technology Bureau
their Families in the
Community with assistance from the
United Nations
Development
Programme
A Referral System
for Care and Support Services
for
Persons Living with HIV and
their Families in the
Community
Department of Social Welfare & Development

Social Technology Bureau
with assistance from the

United Nations Development Programme
1 December 2010
Message from the
Department of
Social Welfare and
Development
There are a total 4,817 reported cases of AIDS from 1984-2010. The current statistics manifest
that the situation is alarming and something needs to be done immediately. HIV/AIDS often
poses a devastating effect on families, communities, and societies as a whole. PLHIV are
confronted with multiple burdens, ranging from psychosocial to economic, and it is the prime
duty of the DSWD with the support of the United Nations Development Programme, to develop
a referral system that will equip LGUs with the necessary mechanisms to deliver community-
based services to PLHIV.
The Referral System for the Care and Support Services for Persons Living with HIV is a
significant tool that facilitates the collaboration of service providers and local government
agencies to provide care, and support for PLHIV. With this tool, HIV/AIDS can be prevented
with the harmonization of information given to people and institution of values that are against
discrimination and stigmatization.
Furthermore, this Referral System will also ensure that social workers and other service
providers will be guided by the principles of confidential HIV counseling and working towards
empowerment of PLHIV, promoting accountability on the part of local officials, and
safeguarding the future and life of children involved in cases of HIV/AIDS.
Through the Republic Act 8504 ―Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998‖ and the
AIDS Medium Term Strategic Plan IV (2005-2010), which is geared towards helping the
country meet the MDG targets by 2015, the Department have recognized the importance of
ensuring that PLHIV will have access to an environment that is caring, supportive, and sensitive
to their varying needs and conditions.
I am glad that this Referral System has been crafted because it stresses that in case of
HIV/AIDS something has to be done beginning from the city/municipal level up to the national
level. The contents of this manual also promotes a framework that showcase a holistic response
to the immediate and long term needs of the PLHIV, their families, and communities.
Together as a compassionate society, we can prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in our nation and
eventually the rest of the world. Let us stand up to this challenge and work together for a better
future for the next generation.
Corazon Juliano-Soliman
Secretary
Message from United
Nations Development
Programme
The Philippines is at a critical moment in its response to HIV and AIDS with the rapidly
accelerating rate of HIV infection in the past years. While one of the biggest challenges is
scaling up effective HIV prevention strategies, equally important is improving care and support
services for the increasing number of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
To help mitigate the negative impact of HIV and AIDS, UNDP supported the establishment of
the referral system for care and support services for people infected and affected by the disease
and the development of its accompanying program manual. These manuals are products of the
strategic partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and
UNDP towards successful achievement of the outcome of the joint project, ―Mitigating the
Economic and Psychosocial Impact of HIV and AIDS‖.
The first manual, “A Referral System for Care and Support Services for Persons Living with
HIV (PLHIV) and their Families in the Community”, provides a framework through which
stakeholders fulfill their obligations to protect and promote the rights of PLHIV, their children
and affected families. It presents an effective mechanism to ensure access of PLHIV to a
quality and timely delivery of services, including those that will cater the needs of their
families. It is intended to facilitate the convergence of various service providers from multi-
sectoral agencies to respond to the emerging needs of PLHIV towards full enjoyment of their
human rights, and fulfillment of a meaningful and productive life.
The accompanying document to the referral system, “Program Manual on Care and Support
Services for Persons Living with HIV and AIDS and their Families”, serves as the operations
manual to guide implementers in the delivery of care and support services to PLHIV, their
children, and their families. It is a tool that supports the prevention and management of
problems associated with HIV and AIDS at all levels: individual, family, and community,
particularly those that requires psychosocial interventions.
I am delighted that the referral system is now in place. In a way, this will help support the
fulfillment of DSWD’s mandate of mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS on individuals,
families and communities, and its effort to institutionalize care and support services by
strengthening the role and capacities of social workers, community volunteers, and community
leaders. I hope that this will also facilitate the successful implementation of the country’s Fifth
AIDS Medium-Term Plan (AMTP V) particularly in addressing the emerging challenges on
HIV treatment, care and support. Moreover, I hope that this would, ultimately, assist the country
in attaining its MDG 6 target of halting the spread of HIV and AIDS by 2015.
I wish to extend my sincerest appreciation to DSWD for the partnership, dedication, and
commitment to develop these important tools. I look forward to the effective use of these tools
towards enhanced HIV prevention, care and support services in the Philippines.
Renaud Meyer
UNDP Country Director
Acknowledgements
The Referral System for the Care and Support for Persons Living with HIV and their
Families in the Community was developed in partnership and collaboration with several
stakeholders.
The Department would like to express its deepest and sincerest gratitude to the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) for funding the DSWD-UNDP Project entitled Mitigating
the Economic and Psychosocial Impacts of HIV and AIDS. This project is under component
number three (3) of the five (5) components under Promoting Leadership and Mitigating the
Negative Impacts of HIV and AIDS on Human Development Programme of UNDP which
supported the publication of this document.
The Department commends and recognizes the contributions of the following for the
formulation of this significant and unprecedented document:
To DSWD Undersecretary Alicia R. Bala, Assistant Secretary Florita R. Villar, and STB
Assistant Bureau Director Gemma B. Gabuya, for their invaluable support, guidance,
and inputs;
To Ms. Irene V. Fonacier-Fellizar and former DSWD Undersecretary Lourdes G.

Balanon, for being the Resource Persons during the series of regional consultations and
validation workshops and the latter for being the Consultant of this publication;
To our partners in this UNDP Project: Positive Action Foundation of the Philippines
(PAFPI), and Pinoy Plus, for providing significant inputs and sharing their first hand
experiences in working with Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV);
To the DSWD Regional AIDS Focal Persons: Mr. Armont C. Peciña, Ms. Melanie M.
Barnachea, Ms. Mylah So Gatchalian, Mr. Benjamin C. Baruc, Ms. Elizabeth Lim Dy,
Ms. Hazel T. Militante and Ms. Maria Clara P. De Guzman, who all throughout,
tirelessly supported the project;
To the participants of the series of consultations, writeshops, and validation workshops

from the national and local government agencies: (PNAC Secretariat - Dr. Ferchito L.
Avelino, DOH- National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Gerard B.
Belimac, DILG, PDEA, DepEd, DOLE, P/C/Municipal Health Offices, Social Hygiene
Clinics, P/City/M Social Welfare and Development Offices); the Philippine National
Red Cross; the NGOs: The Library Foundation, Remedios AIDS Foundation, TRIDEV,
Bidsiliw, Babae Plus, Precious Jewels Ministry; the CBOs: HDES, Cebu Plus, Cavite
Support Group, ACAC-Sister Plus Angeles City; the FBOs: Belen sa Batangas); and the
Academe (CEDO-South Western University).
To the Social Technology Bureau (STB) staff; Marilyn B. Moral, Ms. Eden C. Mariño
and Ms. Elma Solis-Salamat, for their substantial contribution; and
Most especially, to the Persons Living with HIV and their Families who inspired us and
contributed to this publication.
Table of Contents
Acronyms......................................................................................................................................9
Part I. Background............................................................................................................10
Section 1. Introduction...................................................................................................10
Section 2. Rationale........................................................................................................11
Section 3. Policy Framework..........................................................................................12
Section 4. Guiding Principles.........................................................................................14
Section 5. Definition of Terms........................................................................................15
Section 6. Conceptual Framework.................................................................................17
6.1. Continuum of Care (CoC).............................................................................17
6.2. Care and Support Services for PLHIV and their Families............................18
6.3. The National Referral Mechanism................................................................18
Part II. The Referral System........................................................................................20

Section 7. The Referral System.......................................................................................20
7.1. The advantages of establishing a referral system ........................................20
7.2. Essential Elements of Referral System..........................................................21
Section 8. Establishing a Referral System.....................................................................23
Section 9. Operationalization of the Referral System....................................................26
9.1. Coordinating Agencies at the Regional and City/Municipal Levels.............26
9.2. Provision of Care and Support Services for PLHIV and their Families.......27
9.3. Community-Based Referral System...............................................................30
Section 10. Competencies of the Service Providers.......................................................36
10.1. Knowledge...................................................................................................36
10.2. Attitudes and Behavior................................................................................36
10.3. Skills............................................................................................................36
References...................................................................................................................................37
Appendices..................................................................................................................................38
Appendix A: Intake Form (Form 1).................................................................................39
Appendix B: Referral for Service Form (Form 2)...........................................................42
Appendix C: Referral Feedback Form (Form 3).............................................................43
Appendix D: Referral Registry (Form 4).........................................................................44
Appendix E: Directory of Resources (Form 5)................................................................45
Appendix F: Implementing Rules and Regulations Republic Act No. 8504...................49
Appendix G: DILG Memorandum Circular.....................................................................72
Appendix H: DSWD, DOH, DILG Joint Memorandum Circular....................................74
on Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAATs).....................................................74
Appendix I: Olongapo City Ordinance on Local AIDS Council.....................................77
Appendix J: Directory Of Resources For STI, HIV and AIDS.........................................87
Appendix K: List of Accredited Laboratories for HIV Testing in MetroManila..............94
Appendix L: List of Treatment Hubs................................................................................96
Acronyms
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

CBOs - Community Based Organizations
CoC - Continuum of Care
CorA - Coordinating Agency
CHED - Commission on Higher Education
DepEd - Department of Education
DILG - Department of the Interior and Local Government
DFA - Department of Foreign Affairs
DOH - Department of Health
DOJ - Department of Justice
DOLE - Department of Labor and Employment
DSWD - Department of Social Welfare and Development
FBOs - Faith Based Organizations
FP - Focal Person
HACT - HIV/AIDS Core Teams
HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus
LAC - Local AIDS Council
LGU - Local Government Unit
NEC - National Epidemiology Center
NGOs - Non - Government Organizations
OI - Opportunistic Infections
OWWA - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
PAFPI - Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc.
P/C/MHO - Provincial/City/Municipal Health Office
P/C/MSWDO - Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and
Development Office
PLHIV - Persons/People Living with HIV
PNAC - Philippine National AIDS Council
RAATs - Regional AIDS Assistance Teams
RH - Reproductive Health
RS - Referral System
RecA - Receiving Agency
RefA - Referring Agency
STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections
TESDA - Technical Education Skills and Development Authority
VCT - Voluntary Counseling and Testing
Part I. Background
Section 1. Introduction
The first AIDS case in the Philippines was reported in 1984. From January 1984 to March
2010, there were a total of 4,817 HIV Ab seropositive (HIV positive) cases reported (Table 1),
of which 3,979 (83%) were asymptomatic and 838 (17%) were AIDS cases.
In March 2010 alone, there were 120 new HIV Ab sero-positive individuals confirmed by the
STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL) and reported to the HIV and AIDS
Registry (Table 1). This was a 103% increase compared to the same period last year (n=59 in
2009) [Figure 1].
Table 1. HIV Cases from 1984-20101
Quick Facts Demographic Data Mach 2010 Jan-Mar 2010 Cumulative Data: 1984—2010
Total Reported Cases 120 393 4,817
Asymptomatic Cases 117 387 3,979
AIDS Cases 3 6 838
Males 104 349 3,581
Females 16 44 1,225
Youth 15-24yo 35 126 850
Children <15yo 0 1 53
Reported Deaths due to AIDS 0 0 318
With the current statistics, the country’s HIV and AIDS situation has reached alarming
proportions as it is now described as ―expanding and growing‖, from the previous ―low and
slow‖ and ―hidden and growing‖ phases. 2
1
DOH, National Epidemiology Center, 2009
2
DOH Press Release/26 March 2010 http://portal.doh.gov.ph/node/2628
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Recognizing the importance of responding to the needs of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV),
Republic Act 8504 (RA 8504)3 was enacted, setting policies and measures for the prevention
and control of HIV and AIDS, specifically extending to every person suspected or known to be
infected with HIV and AIDS, full protection of his/her human rights and civil liberties. The
Philippines is also a signatory to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session
(UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment (DoC) and the ASEAN Declaration on HIV/AIDS.
Section 35 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 8504 mandates the Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to set up a referral system to assist PLHIV in
accessing skills training and livelihood assistance programs at the regional and provincial
levels. On the other hand, local government units (LGUs) through its health, social welfare and
population officers shall develop HIV/AIDS referral system for delivery of community-based
services (Section 34), among others.
In this connection, the DSWD, through its Social Technology Bureau with support from the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), developed the DSWD-UNDP project on
Mitigating the Economic and Psychosocial Impact of HIV and AIDS with this Referral System
for the Care and Support of PLHIV as one of the major outputs. With a referral system at the
community level, provision of an integrated and comprehensive psychosocial support services
to PLHIV and their families is facilitated. The end-users of the referral system are the direct
service providers/social workers from the government and non-government organizations
catering to the needs of the PLHIV, their families and significant others.
Section 2. Rationale
Most PLHIV face psychosocial problems such as uncertainty and adjustment to communities
they belong to. This is a result of whether or not they will be accepted once again just like any
ordinary member of the community. Knowing their status usually threatens their dreams and
aspirations and this is brought about by the compounding fear of having HIV. The common
psychosocial concerns that PLHIV experiences include the following:4
• Guilt and fear if children find out of her/his HIV status

• Self-denial or self-stigma as a result of one’s HIV status
• Stigma attached to family members/relatives by the community/society
• Isolation from the community as a result of stigma/discrimination
• Loss of relationship as a result of HIV stigma
• Depression/loneliness
• Retaliation/take revenge/vengeance of PLHIV which is a result of anger/rage or denial
• Disclosure of one’s HIV status-how soon to partner/family members
• Timing- “when is the right time to tell my child.”
• Right to disclosure to one’s HIV status- the best time to do so by the doctor/social
worker if it is for the medical improvement/interest of the PLHIV and disclosed among
members of the care team
• Discrimination from work, travel, education, access to information and services as a
result of knowing one’s HIV status
As the front liner in the provision of psychosocial services, the DSWD had actively provided
prevention, care and support services to PLHIV, even before the enactment of the RA 8504.
Topics on HIV and AIDS were already included in the manuals for youth, social workers and
volunteers, mobilization and capacity building of communities and Social Workers/Direct
Service Providers.5
3
PNAC, The Philippine National AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 Implementing Rules and Regulations
4
DSWD and PNAC (2002) Care and Support: A Self Instructional Manual for Social Workers on HIV/AIDS/STI, Manila
5
Manual on Unlad Kabataan Program include topic on STD/HIV/AIDS (1997), One module on the Manual Empowerment and
Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities or ERPAT focused on fathers as advocate in the prevention of HIV and AIDS (1995) Satellite
Referral
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Community 9 11
Based on the series of consultation-workshops among stakeholders on HIV and AIDS
conducted by DSWD in December 2009 to March 2010, the following were the gaps identified
in terms of programs and services for PLHIV, to wit:
• Limited access to PLHIV data

• Some Local AIDS Councils are non-functional and inactive
• Not all agencies are aware of their roles and/or responsibilities as stakeholders
• Absence of coordinating body at the local level for HIV and AIDS
• No permanent focal person on HIV and AIDS program in most of the government
agencies
• Not all agencies are willing to accommodate PLHIV
• Some service providers are not equipped with knowledge, attitude/behavior and
skills (KAS) in handling PLHIV
• Limited or lack of funding for programs and services for HIV and AIDS
• Lack of sustainability and continuity of programs and services
• No referral or walk-in clients received from other stakeholders
• Limited follow through activities and monitoring of PLHIV
• No feedback from receiving agencies on the referrals of PLHIV
• Limited skills training and livelihood opportunities for PLHIV
• Limited number of residential facilities accepting PLHIV
• Limited number of staff from the residential facilities trained to manage PLHIV and
their affected families.
Evidently, there is no single agency that can respond to the needs of the PLHIV and their
families. Further, there is a need to synchronize and harmonize all efforts of the stakeholders to
optimize the resources and strengthen service delivery at the community level.
In response to these concerns, the DSWD, as a member of the Philippine National AIDS
Council (PNAC), initiated the formulation of a referral system which seeks to facilitate the
collaboration of service providers/agencies to respond to the various needs of PLHIV. This
ensures that programs and services are harmonized and coordinated, maximizing resources and
identifying gaps in services. With a referral system, advocacy efforts for the prevention of HIV
and the treatment, care and support of the PLHIV and their families will be in place at the
community level. It is envisioned that the referral system will lead to the PLHIV having access
to services that will strengthen their capacities towards a prolonged and productive life. At the
end, they will be able to meaningfully and significantly contribute to the community and
society.
Section 3. Policy Framework
This section on policy framework includes the international, regional (ASEAN) and national
laws on the protection of the rights of PLHIV. In addition, there are provinces, cities, and
municipalities which have promulgated ordinances, resolutions and other policies such as the
creation of Local AIDS Council (LAC), which coordinates the implementation of the national
Symposium on Children Youth and AIDS in Asia and in Asia and the Pacific October 1997 : (DSWD-Acted as Chair), Children and
AIDS Network (CHAIN) : (DSWD-Acted as Chair), Developed a guide for trainers entitled HIV AIDS Youth Advocacy Package
(HAYAP) in partnership with Children and AIDS Network –Philippines, UNICEF and UNAIDS. Members of the Pag-asa Youth
Association of the Philippines were organized as advocates (1997),Development and adoption of the manual entitled Gabay sa
HIV/AIDS Para sa mga Lider at Boluntaryo ng Pamayanan. The manual was developed in partnership with the Philippine AIDS
Council (PNAC) and the Remedios AIDS Foundation, Inc in 2002. Care and Support: A self Instructional Manual for Social
Workers on HIV/AIDS/STI was developed in partnership also with PNAC. The manual focused on three modules: (1) Self-
awareness: The Social Worker’s Being, (2) Case Management Process: The Social Worker and the PHA and (3) Integrating the
PHA with the Community (2002)
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laws considering the ethnic, social, cultural, economic and political factors of the province,
city, and municipality.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) adopted in 2000, include Goal 6 which sets its
corresponding target of halting and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015.6 The
Philippines is committed to prevent the spread of HIV in the country and to reduce the impact
of the disease on infected and affected individuals, families, and communities by implementing
the national law enacted in 1998.
The United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Declaration of

Commitment (DoC) on HIV/AIDS was adopted on 27th June 20017. The DoC “Global Crisis
- Global Action” acknowledges that the AIDS pandemic constitutes a “global emergency and
one of the most formidable challenges to human life and dignity” and calls for an urgent,
coordinated and sustained response to HIV and AIDS. It stresses that “gender equality and the
empowerment of women are fundamental elements in the reduction of the vulnerability of
women and girls to HIV/AIDS,” and covers broad areas including leadership, prevention, care,
support and treatment, and human rights.
The ASEAN Declaration on HIV/AIDS was adopted during the 7th ASEAN Summit on 6
November 2001 at Brunei Darrussalam. The Leaders of the ten ASEAN countries agreed to
lead and guide national responses to the increasing incidence of HIV and AIDS in the region
and strengthen multi-sectoral and inter-ministerial collaboration at the international and
national levels to implement HIV and AIDS programs, among others. An ASEAN Task Force
on AIDS was created which formulated the ASEAN Work Program on HIV/AIDS to ensure the
region’s commitments to the UNGASS and the ASEAN Declaration by member countries.
The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 (RA 8504) was signed on
February 13, 1998 instituting a nationwide HIV and AIDS information and educational
programs, provision of services to PLHIV, establishing a comprehensive HIV and AIDS
monitoring system and strengthening the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), To
facilitate the development and scaling up of local AIDS responses, PNAC created the Regional
AIDS Assistance Team (RAAT) by virtue of PNAC Resolution No. 3 dated 27 April 2007. This
resolution was further strengthened with the issuance of Memorandum Circular signed by the
key officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of
Health (DOH), and DSWD on 9 November 2009 which governs the operation of RAATs. The
RAAT is composed of focal persons from these three departments.
The Fourth AIDS Medium Term Plan (2005-2010) or AMTP 4 is the country’s strategic plan
which aims to prevent the further spread of HIV infection in the Philippines and reduce the
impact of the disease on individuals, families, and communities in order to meet the country’s
commitment to the MDG and other international and regional instruments. Objective 2 is to
increase the access of persons infected and affected with HIV and AIDS to quality information,
treatment, care, and support services. Strategy 3 is scaling up and improving quality of
treatment, care, and support for persons infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
6 th
PNAC 4 AIDS Medium Term Plan 2005-2010
7
http://portal.doh.gov.ph/pnac/images/files/ungass-declaration.pdf
Referral System for Care and Support Services for Persons Living with HIV in the Community 11 13
Section 4. Guiding Principles
These guiding principles is based on the harmonized values of DSWD and that of the Country
Response8 towards the Universal Access to HIV Prevention, AIDS Treatment, Care, and
Support specifically embodied by the Continuum of Care (CoC) for PLHIV9. These will also
guide the social workers/service providers and agencies/organizations in the provision of
services.
Accountability – ensures that actions and decisions taken by public officials are subject
to oversight so as to guarantee that government initiatives meet their stated objectives
and respond to the needs of the community they are meant to be benefiting, thereby
contributing to better governance and poverty reduction.10
Best Interest of the Child - means the totality of the circumstances and conditions
which are most congenial to the survival, protection and feelings of security of the child
and most encouraging to his/her physical, psychological and emotional development. It
also means the least detrimental available alternative for safeguarding the growth and
development of the child.11
Confidentiality and Right to Privacy- refers to the management and handling of

information relevant to the PLHIV and their families which must conform to the
highest ethical and professional standards in case management and referral. No
identifying information should be released to the media and the public. Any disclosure
of any information must be with the consent of the PLHIV and that his/her privacy is
protected.
Empowerment – is the process of increasing personal, interpersonal, or political power

so that individuals, families, and communities can take action to improve their
situation.12 The focus is on enhancement of the innate strengths and capacities of the
PLHIV to make decisions for herself/himself, assist her/him to secure/access to and
control over needed resources and to acquire knowledge and skills to function
independently.
Gender Equality- means that all human beings are free to develop their personal
abilities and make choices without the limitations set by strict gender roles; that the
different behavior, aspirations, and needs of women and men are considered, valued
and favored equally.13
Informed Consent- refers to the voluntary agreement of a person to undergo or be
subjected to a procedure based on full information, whether such permission is written,
conveyed verbally, or expressed indirectly.14
Meaningful and Greater Involvement of PLHIV – refers to full participation of the

PLHIV, their families and significant others throughout the helping process and that all
actions that will affect their welfare should ensure the active and informed engagement
of PLHIV. They can be effective partners in the promotion and protection of their
rights and well-being, to include their families and children, when appropriate.
8 th
PNAC (2009) 4 AIDS Medium Term Plan: 2005-2010 and Operational Plan 2009-2010 Philippines. .
9
Family Health Inc. (2007) Scaling Up the Continuum of Care for People Living with HIV in Asia and the Pacific: A Tool Kit for
Implementers, Bangkok
10
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/PUBLICSECTORANDGOVERNANCE/Resources/AccountabilityGovernance.pdf
11
Supreme Court (2000). Examination of a Child Witness. Manila
12
Brenda DuBois & Karla Krogsrud Milley (1996) Social Work: An Empowering Profession. Mass.: Allen and Bacon
13
Women’s Media Circle The Ultimate Pinoy Advocate’s Glossary on Gender and Sexuality
14
PNAC, RA 8504 “The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998
Networking and Linkages – a strong active inter-link with other components such as
HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment and a vast coordinated network of service
providers at all levels which are crucial to the effective achievement of the intervention
goals for the well-being of the PLHIV, their children, families and communities.
Non-discrimination – refers to the equal treatment of an individual or group

irrespective of their particular characteristics, and is used to assess apparently neutral
criteria that may produce effects which systematically disadvantage persons possessing
those characteristics.15
Rights-Based Approach- is a conceptual framework for human development. It

upholds human beings as the subject and object of development. It is normatively based
on international human rights standards and operationally directed to promoting and
protecting human rights. It establishes the relationship between person and the State.
Moreover, it seeks to develop a key capacity- the capacity to make claims and demand
accountability- needed by the poor and marginalized to overcome poverty,
marginalization, and vulnerability. Under the rights-based approach, the State, as the
principal duty-bearer, has primary obligations that it needs to perform to address
violations (direct action or failure to act) and come up with preventive actions (no full
enjoyment hence objectively prevented from enjoying the right) of the duty bearers.16
Section 5. Definition of Terms

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)17– a condition characterized by a
combination of signs and symptoms, caused by HIV contracted from another person and
which attacks and weakens the body’s immune system, making the afflicted individual
susceptible to other life-threatening infections.
Coordinating Agency (CorA)– the agency/organization designated as a central focal

point for the referral network. The DSWD will be the CorA of the referral system at the
national level.
Continuum of Care –is a framework that addresses HIV as a chronic disease and
develops systems that provide humane, effective, high-quality, comprehensive, and
continuous care to PLHIV, their families, and significant others. It provides essential
services and supportive environment to PLHIV and their family.
Direct Service Provider – is the social worker, health provider/worker, peer educator,
or a member of a support group who shall handle/manage the case of the PLHIV, his/her
family, and significant others.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – refers to the virus which causes AIDS.
HIV and AIDS Monitoring – refers to the documentation and analysis of the number
of HIV/AIDS infections and the pattern of its spread.
15
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/areas/industrialrelations/dictionary/definitions/NONDISCRIMINATIONPRINCIPLE.htm
16
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – Asia. 2008 B. Beyond Informality, Claiming Dignity: A Training Course for Capability
Building of Leaders and members of Informal Sector Organizations, Quezon City Philippines.
17
R.A. 8504 “An Act Promulgating Policies and Prescribing Measures for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS in the
Philippines, Instituting a Nationwide HIV/AIDS Information and Educational Program, Establishing a Comprehensive HIV/AIDS
Monitoring System, Strengthening the Philippine National AIDS Council, and for other Purposes, 1998
HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control – refers to measures aimed at protecting non-
infected persons from contracting HIV and minimizing the impact of the condition of
People Living with HIV.
HIV positive –showing indications of infection with HIV (e.g., presence of antibodies
against HIV) in a blood or oral fluid test. Synonymous with seropositive. Results may
occasionally be false positive.
HIV – negative – showing no evidence of infection with HIV (e.g., absence of antibodies
against HIV) in a blood or oral fluid test. Synonymous with seronegative. An HIV-negative
person can be infected if he or she is in the window period between HIV exposure and detection
of antibodies.
High-Risk Behavior – refers to a person’s frequent involvement in certain activities

which increase the risk of transmitting or acquiring HIV.
Informed Consent – refers to the voluntary agreement of a person to undergo or be

subjected to a procedure based on full information, whether such permission is written,
conveyed verbally, or expressed indirectly.
Person/s/People Living with HIV – refers to an individual/s whose HIV test indicates
directly or indirectly that s/he/they is/are infected with HIV.
Receiving Agency - the organization to which the PLHIV is referred for services and is
also called the organization that fulfilled the referral.
Referring Agency- the organization that first makes the referral and is also called the
point of initiation of the referral.
Referral - is the process by which the immediate needs of a PLHIV is assessed and is
helped to gain access to a comprehensive HIV care and support services which include
follow-up to ensure provision of such services.
Referral System – is a co-operative framework through which government agencies
carry out their obligations to protect and promote the human rights of PLHIV,
coordinating their efforts in a strategic partnership with NGOs/FBOs and civil society as
a whole. The main purpose is to ensure the human rights of PLHIV are respected and to
provide an effective way to refer them to support services to address their various needs.
Reproductive Health - is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,

and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Reproductive health addresses the
reproductive processes, functions and systems at all stages of life; also implies that
people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the
capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.
Implicit in this, are the rights of men and women to be informed of and to have access to
safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice,
and to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through
pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy
infant18.
Sexually Transmitted Infection – refers to any infection that maybe acquired or passed
on through sexual contact.
18
WHO Regional Strategy on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Denmark, 2001
Significant Others – are those not considered as members of the family by
consanguinity or affinity, but are the intimate partners, boy/girlfriends, peers of the
Person Living with HIV.
Section 6. Conceptual Framework
6.1. Continuum of Care (CoC)
People living with HIV and their families have emotional, social, physical and spiritual needs
that change over time. They often must cope with the effects of stigma and discrimination,
poverty, loss, neglect and abandonment. The purpose of the CoC is to address HIV as a chronic
disease and develop systems that provide humane, effective, high-quality comprehensive and
continuous care to PLHIV and their families.
This framework describes the holistic response to the pressing needs of PLHIV, their families
and children, and significant others. Responses involve the medical and psychosocial
interventions as well as other support services that are necessary to restore the social
functioning of PLHIV and their affected families and children. These services include emotional
support and counseling, self-care empowerment, sexual and reproductive health services,
standard-prophylaxis, tuberculosis (TB) screening and treatment, access to care and treatment of
opportunistic infections (OIs), assistance with transport to referral sites, food and income
support, end-of-life care and future planning and support for children and other family
members.19
The Continuum of Care creates an enabling environment of mutual trust and support between
and among the PLHIV and the service providers that would help in the smooth facilitation and
access to various support services.
The Continuum of Care is a network that links, coordinates and consolidates care, treatment,
and support services for PLHIV. These services are provided in their homes, in the communities
where they live, and in the health facilities that serve them.
The Continuum of Care is also the group of services that provide comprehensive support to
PLHIV and their families. While these services are generally provided by a number of different
organizations, the system that links and coordinates them is planned and managed by the
referral network whose members include government officials, service providers, non-
governmental organization (NGO) representatives, PLHIV, and other stakeholders.
19
Scaling Up the Continuum of Care for People Living with HIV in Asia and the Pacific: a Toolkit for Implementers
Figure 2: The Continuum of Care
6.2. Care and Support Services for PLHIV and their Families
Within the Continuum of Care (CoC) and upon the decision of the PLHIV to avail care
and support services, the social worker, who may come from the Local Social Welfare and
Development Office, Non-Government Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, or DSWD,
will serve as the case manager.
The PLHIV and their caregivers are active participants in defining their needs and
seeking options to meet these needs. They work collaboratively with a cadre of case managers
who have been trained in the HIV disease process, community care, treatment and support
services, and facilitating access to needed care and services. Each case manager has a defined
caseload of clients.
6.3. The National Referral Mechanism
Figure 3 shows the array of services, goals, and objectives of the national referral
mechanism. Depending on the assessment of the social worker and/or decision of the PLHIV,
any of these programs and services may be availed by the PLHIV and their families in no
particular order or sequence.
Referral
Referral System
System for
for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 16 18
Ensured positive social functioning
The National and well-being of person living with
HIV and their families
Referral
Mechanism
Obtain the highest quality care and treatment, assistance and

protection to PLHIV, their children, and their affected families,
and significant others
The rights and well-being of all Filipinos living with HIV, their affected children
and families, are enabled to meaningfully participate and contribute to their
protection and care through ensured access to holistic HIV response by a just,
humane, age sensitive and gender fair society.
Prolonged and
productive life
of PLHIV.
Counseling Skills
training/Livelihood/
Employment PLHIV able to
provide for
Education,
Information, and sustained
The Person and Capacity Bldg. Medical support to
Living with Intervention own families/
HIV/ Family children
/ children Social Protection/
Health Insurance Safe Motherhood
and Families and
Significant significant
Others Temporary shelter/ others
Legal
Accommodation developed full
acceptance
Community-/ and strong
Educational Home-based Care support to
Assistance PLHIV.
Burial assistance Meaningfully

Spiritual enrichment
and
significantly
Care for the contribute to
Caregivers Child Care
the community
and society.
Figure 3. The National Referral Mechanism
Referral System
Referral System for
for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 17
19
Part II. The Referral System
Section 7. The Referral System
A referral system is a co-operative framework through which stakeholders fulfill their

obligations to protect and promote the rights of PLHIV, their children, affected families, and
significant others by coordinating strategic partnership with civil society. It ensures a
relationship between all levels of the concerned stakeholders and guarantees that PLHIV, their
children and affected families receive the best possible treatment, care and support services.
Therefore, the main purpose of the referral system is the provision of an effective mechanism
of ensuring access to a quality and timely delivery of services.
7.1. The advantages of establishing a referral system are: 20
Obtain the highest quality care and treatment, assistance and protection
to all PLHIV, their children and affected families;
Facilitate the provision of services to meet the various needs of the

PLHIV;
Establish a feedback mechanism between and among concerned agencies

to ensure that requested services are provided;
Make possible the exchange of knowledge, skills, practices and

experiences geared towards enhancing capacities of service providers;
and
Achieve a more rational use of financial and human resources for more
efficient and effective delivery of services.
A referral system entails a process of coordinating service delivery which results to
the following:
Access to effective services delivered expeditiously;
Confidentiality is maintained;
Referrals between the agencies/organizations of the network are tracked;
Referrals and their outcomes are documented;
A feedback loop informs the agencies/organization of the organizations are

tracked;
Referrals and their outcomes are documented;
A feedback loop informs the agencies/organization initiating the referring

agency/organization that the requested service has been delivered and has
met the needs of the client; and
Referral
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System for
for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 18 20
Gaps in services can be identified and steps taken by the
agencies/organizations in the network to bridge them.
7.2. Essential Elements of Referral System
There are certain essential elements to optimize the referral system’s

operational effectiveness and outcomes. These essential elements are:21
a. Referral Network (RN) - a group of agencies / organizations (i.e., GOs,
NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs) that in aggregate, provide comprehensive services
to meet the needs of PLHIV, their families, and significant others.
The needs of PLHIV, their children and affected families span the
continuum of care, encompassing the medical/health, psychosocial,
economic, legal, and spiritual domains, end of life care, etc.
To effectively address these needs, the network must include a broad

range of services and organizations.
Resolving access issues is essential to service delivery, and barriers to

access should be removed so the PLHIV will be able to meet their
needs.
Referrals can go in both directions among agencies/organizations in

the network; (i.e., they can both refer and receive referrals).
b. Coordinating Agency (CorA)- an agency that coordinates and oversees the

referral network.
A specific agency/organization or unit in the network serves as the

locus of responsibility for the network and its performance (in
addition to its regular duties) at the regional and city/municipal level.
It is responsible in convening regular meetings of social service

providers, working with them to address gaps and other challenges in
the system, updating the service network directory, providing
standardized tools and forms and performing quality assurance for the
referral system. Such regular meetings and other activities are aimed
at promoting collaboration and commitment to the referral process.
A specific unit/focal person is designated to fulfill the tasks of the

coordinating agency/organization.
20
DSWD and ILO, Referral System for the Recovery and Reintegration of Trafficked Persons
21
Philippine Commission on Women, Guidelines in the Establishment and Management of a Referral System on Violence Against
Women at the Local Government Unit Level
c. A Focal Person at each agency/organization
The designated person/focal person is responsible for the processing

of referrals efficiently and expeditiously such as tracking and
documenting referrals and attending network meetings. S/he may also
be the direct service provider in his/her own agency/organization.
(Case Manager)
Any responsible staff member of the agency/organization may be

designated as the focal person.
d. A Directory of Resources (services and agencies/organizations) at the

regional, city and/municipal level
A directory provides an inventory of services available within a

geographical area, including the name, location, and contact numbers
of the organization, type of services provided, and name of designated
focal person. Individual specialists or experts or volunteers maybe
included in the directory.
A directory of services facilitates referrals by making it easy to get

information on available services within and outside the geographical
area.
e. A standardized referral forms
A standardized referral forms to be used by the members of the

network ensures that the same essential information is provided
whenever a referral is initiated, and that this information is received
by the agency/organization fulfilling the referral. It specifically states
the services needed by the PLHIV.
The referring agency/organization should follow up with the receiving

agency/organization and with the PLHIV on the service/s provided.
The receiving agency/organization must also give feedback to the
referring agency/organization.
f. A feedback loop to track referrals
A system to track a referral is needed to ensure that the PLHIV used

the service/s needed.
A written feedback must be done by the receiving

agency/organization on the status of service delivery and other
pertinent information.
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and Support
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for Persons
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with HIV
HIV in
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The feedback from the PLHIV must be sought whether s/he is
satisfied with the service received and whether his/her need/s
was/were met.
g. Documentation of referrals
The referring and receiving agencies/organizations must both

document their respective roles in the referral processes and
outcomes.
A standardized referral registry is one way of documenting referrals.
Section 8. Establishing a Referral System
A referral system involves a network of stakeholders to achieve a common goal. The referral
process should be transparent and the responsibility and authorities of each partner agency
should be strictly determined in such a way as to guarantee the protection of PLHIV’s
interests and observance of human rights.22 Starting a referral system involves several steps as
enumerated below and shown in Figure 4. The Coordinating Agency (CorA) or a Receiving
Agency (RecA)/Referring Agency (RefA) may establish a referral system within any level of
the LGU or at the agency level as service provider.
a. Convene an initial stakeholders’ meeting/workshop
The Head of the agency/convener shall identify the stakeholders

on the issue of HIV at the community, regional and national
levels. If a directory of resources is available, this would be a
good reference for the CorA/RecA/RefA on whom to invite in the
meeting /workshop.
Invitees must come from different national and local government

agencies, NGOs/FBOs and if possible, a representative of PLHIV
or their support group.
The purpose/agenda of the meeting/workshop must be clear in the

letters of invitation so that the staff/persons involved in handling
HIV will be in attendance.
b. Conduct a participatory mapping exercise
The mapping exercise should identify community resources, services

available, requirements for referrals, potential barriers to access and
how the network will be linked to existing support services of
community -based organizations, regional and national structures.
More than one meeting/workshop may be held to review flow of

referral system from one agency to another and clarifying roles and
functions geared towards a referral system within the province, city,
municipality, barangay or agency.
22
PCW Guidelines in the Establishment and Management of a Referral System on Violence Against Women at the Local
Government Unit Level
As a result of the process, a referral system is established and a
Directory of Resources can be created or if one exists, be updated.
c. Establish a referral network
The members of the referral network need to define their working

arrangement and clarify their roles and expectations. They need to
know the focal /contact person in each agency, contact numbers and
alternative designated person/s when the focal is not in.
In addition, they need to agree on their protocols and procedures,

including the forms to be used, the services to be rendered and to
what extent, fees to be collected if any, etc. It is helpful if these
procedures are written down, and each member provided a copy for
reference.
d. Put systems in place to develop and support the referral network
A Protocol or a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with clear terms

of reference of partners is encouraged to be forged among the
members of the referral network. A formal agreement formalizes their
commitment to support PLHIV, their families and children. The
MOA or protocol should also include the NGOs and other service
providers.
The network’s activities must be periodically evaluated and

appropriate changes in the terms of reference/agreement be made.
The Referral Network (RN) may advocate for the passage of an

Ordinance creating the Local AIDS Council (if not yet created) and
/or the passage of a Resolution/Ordinance by the Regional
Development Council/LAC adopting a comprehensive program
including the referral system for PLHIV their families and children.
The establishment of referral system needs the support and

endorsement of the local chief executive through a
provincial/city/municipal/barangay ordinance/resolution/executive
order. The policy serves as the mandate of the referral system as well
as that of the service providers to be involved. It also becomes the
basis of the resources to be allocated as needed.
Identify and train the CorA, RefAs, and RecAs and focal persons/case
managers on the referral system where roles and responsibilities of
each agency are clear and understood by everyone. Training should
be on the use of standardized forms, procedures of referral and
documentation of the process of referral including tracking of cases.
Service providers particularly the case managers must vigorously

observe/implement the performance standards for the delivery of HIV
services. Further, aside from the specific skills inherent in their
respective professions/functions, they must also:
o Be trained on gender and HIV, gender-responsive

approaches to crisis intervention and case management,
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HIV in
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medical (e.g., recognizing signs of opportunistic
infections) and legal literacy (basic laws on HIV and
procedures in responding to HIV cases), self care,
including gender-sensitive and child-friendly interviewing
and case documentation.
o Possess and demonstrate attitudes and behavior that show

empathy and understanding of PLHIV and ensure
confidentiality of the cases.
o Be equipped with proper knowledge and attitudes to avoid

discrimination and stigmatization because of insensitive
and ill-equipped service providers.
For an effective referral system, the members of the referral network

must install documentation and recording procedures for HIV which
should be part of the agency’s overall management information
system. The basic forms such as intake forms, progress case
recordings, documents such as medical evaluation and the referral
forms must be part of the case record of PLHIV. All records of cases
need to be in proper order and kept in a secure place to safeguard
confidentiality.
The referral network needs resources to assist the service providers in

meeting their commitments in the provision of services to PLHIV. In
addition to their basic agency budgets, funds for food, medicines,
transportation, etc. for PLHIV must be provided to enable them meet
crisis situations.
To have an effective referral system, it is important to have tools

which are uniform and utilized by agencies in the referral network.
This is to maintain accuracy, efficiency and consistency and for data
banking purposes.
The tools used in this referral system are:

o Intake Sheet (Form 1)
o Referral for Service Form (Form 2)
o Referral Feedback Form (Form 3)
o Referral Registry (Form 4)
o Directory of Resources (Form 5)
e. Mobilize the community to use and support the referral network
Public awareness about the referral network and services offered by

the agencies should be undertaken to get support of the community
and other institutions such as church, schools, local government
officials and others.
Community education and the tri-media maybe used for the

information, education and communication campaign particularly for
the prevention and support of PLHIV and their families.
Referral
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for Care
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and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
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f. Monitor and Evaluate Referral System
Monitoring and evaluation of the referral system provides

information on the extent of the achievement of the objectives. Further, such
feedback can lead to redesigning of the system, quality assurance and filling
up the gaps in services. Some indicators are as follows:
o Total number of referrals
o Number of follow-up referrals made
o Number of referrals made to which services (e.g., medical,
legal, etc.)
o Number and percentage of referral services completed
o Number and percentage of clients who report their needs
were met.
o Number and percentage of clients who report satisfaction
with referral process
The Coordinating Agency shall be responsible to discuss status of

referrals in the periodic meetings with the agencies and address issues and
concerns.
Figure 4. Steps in Establishing a Referral System
Convene an Conduct a
participatory Establish a
initial referral network
stakeholders’ mapping exercise
workshop
Monitor and Mobilize the Put systems in

evaluate the community to place to develop
performance of the use and support and support the
referral network the referral referral network
network
Section 9. Operationalization of the Referral System
The following sections will show how the referral system works in the management of
PLHIV cases using the multidisciplinary network.
9.1. Coordinating Agencies at the Regional and City/Municipal Levels
9.1.1. Regional Level
At the regional level, the Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAAT) was
created by virtue of Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) Resolution
No. 3 dated 27 April 2007 to facilitate the development and scaling up of
local AIDS responses in the country. RAATs are composed of the focal
persons from DILG, DOH, and DSWD.
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and Support
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HIV in
in the
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26
As per the Joint Memorandum Circular, the DILG is primarily responsible in
the coordination and provision of technical assistance in support to HIV and
AIDS prevention programs through the establishment of local coordinating
bodies like the LAC, and to advocate the resource allocation thereof; policy
formulation, and enjoining local government officials and functionaries to be
compliant to HIV and AIDS-related laws and policies. On the other hand,
DSWD shall ensure that local counterparts are updated with policies,
issuances, and psychosocial interventions related to HIV and AIDS especially
in the care and support services for Persons Living with HIV and AIDS
including their families and children.
Thus, DILG in close coordination with DSWD and DOH shall be the
Coordinating Agency (CorA) at the regional level.
9.1.2. City/Municipal Level
In the City/Municipal level, the DILG issued a Memorandum Circular 99-

223 enjoining the LGU to enact ordinances, where there is none, or review
existing ordinances on the matter to ensure their relevance, in support of
overall HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts (See Appendix G. DILG
Memorandum Circular).
A Local AIDS Council (LAC) shall serve as the network at the

city/municipal level and to install mechanisms to access services to PLHIV.
The LACs are mandated to oversee a comprehensive and integrated STI,
HIV and AIDS prevention and control program. (See Appendix I. Olongapo
City Ordinance on LAC).
In the absence of Local AIDS Council, the City/Municipal Health, Social

Welfare and Population officers shall be the coordinating body in the local
level. (See Appendix F. IRR of Republic Act 8504)
9.2. Provision of Care and Support Services for PLHIV and their Families
Figure 5 shows the provision of Care and Support Services for PLHIV and
their Families. The treatment, care, and support are three major components
necessary for PLHIV and their families.
9.2.1. Treatment
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the single most effective intervention for

prolonging the lives and improving the quality of life of PLHIV. PLHIV today
have legitimate hope for long-term survival due to lower prices and improved
availability of ARV drugs. Despite this improved situation, a significant
proportion of PLHIV do not access treatment. This is due to a variety of
factors that include stigma and discrimination, lack of information and access
to services, and poverty. Most PLHIV have not been tested and are thus
unaware of their status—even though they may be eligible for ART, if they
need it. Therefore, one of the best strategies to increase treatment coverage is
Referral
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and Support
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Living with
with HIV
HIV in
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to increase coverage for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) so that more
individuals may know their HIV status.
9.2.2. Care
The PLHIV needs to maintain good health until they are ready to start ART,
and during this time they require effective positive preventive services. Once
they begin ART, they continue to require clinical care to stay healthy and
minimize the side effects.
9.2.3. Support Services
PLHIV have many non-medical needs that can affect their adherence to
therapy, well-being, and ultimately their survival. The referral system
ensures that clients are linked with the different providers and services they
require in a timely manner.
The Social Worker is the direct service provider in-charge and acts as the
case manager who must ensure the provision of services and/or referral to
appropriate agencies. The social worker shall refer the PLHIV and his/her
affected family to the following:
i. health care facilities (i.e., hospitals, clinics, health offices) for the
continuous ART, prevention of mother to child transmission,
ii. support services provided by government agencies and non-government

agencies, for counseling, nutrition, educational assistance, alternative
care,
iii. home-care services provided by peer educators, community-/home-based

care volunteers, for values and spiritual enrichment, routine care of the
PLHIV, health and wellness services.
Referral
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for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 26 28
Figure 5. Care and Support Services for PLHIV and their Families
CARE AND SUPPORT

SERVICES
PLHIV/ their
Families/ A. MEDICAL CARE/SERVICES
Significant  PLHIV- continuing medical
others interventions (ART, safe
motherhood for infected, etc.)
 Child infected/affected-
immunization, continuing
medical interventions
B. COMMUNITY SUPPORT
SERVICES
1) Child and youth services

 Nutrition
 Educational assistance
 Alternative care
 Peer support group
 Temporary shelter
The Social Worker/Direct  Spiritual care
Service Provider provides  Protective services
assistance depending on the  Adolescent health
PLHIV needs and
decisions/choices. 2) PLHIV
 Counseling in support of
medical services
 Livelihood/job placement
self-employment assistance
The Social Worker /
Direct Service  Skills/vocational training
Provider with the  Educational assistance
informed consent of  Legal assistance
the PLHIV, gives  Health and wellness services
information on her/his
rights, services
available, provide C. HOME-CARE/SERVICES
immediate assistance
& refers to appropriate  Palliative care
agencies for other  Psychosocial care (values
services. and spiritual enrichment)
 Nutrition
 Family care (routine care of
the PLHIV)
 Health and wellness services
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and Support
Support Services
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for Persons
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Living with
with HIV
HIV in
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29
9.3. Community-Based Referral System
9.3.1. Entry of the PLHIV in the referral system
A PLHIV usually comes to the attention of the doctors, social workers, non-
government organizations, faith-based organizations through:
Referrals from NGAs, LGUs, NGOs.
- Hotlines and other crisis intervention mechanisms
- Family, friends, and individuals known to the PLHIV
Self-referral of PLHIV (walk-in)
Community-outreach of social, health agencies, legal associations,
and other social development agencies; and
Case finding during build-up of similar cases, discussion during
meetings or case conferences and other social development agencies
A PLHIV enters the referral system through any of the following:

DOH Treatment Hubs, hospitals, clinics, LGU (P/C/MHO)
DSWD, LGU (P/C/MSWDO),
NGOs, faith-based organizations and community-based organizations
(CBOs)
Referral
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and Support
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9.3.2. General Referral Flow
Receiving Agency/ Other Service

Case Manager Providers/Stakeholders
Referring Agency/
Entry Points
City/Municipal Social TESDA

Welfare Office
Social Hygiene DA
Clinic, NGO, 1. Receives client referred from
City/Municipal facility or VCT site.
2. Provides services for clients DOLE-PESO
Health Office,
Treatment Hubs such as:
Provincial Health  SEA/livelihood
Offices, Hospitals  Medical assistance
including HACT  Burial assistance
Office  Transportation assistance C/M/P/R Health office
 Food assistance
 Diagnoses client.  Counseling (ind’l/family)
 Provides treatment.  Alternative family care
 Refers to C/MSWDO. (foster/adoption/residential) SCHOOLS
 After care services
3. Refers client for services.
4. Follows up with client.
5. Documents referral activity.
CBO/FBOs
6. Coordinates network.
7. Conducts quality assurance
9.3.3. The Service Providers as Receiving Agencies and Referring

Agencies
The service providers (SP) are government agencies (P/C/MSWDO, P/C/M

Health Office/medical facility/rural health office, and NGOs/FBOs) are both
Receiving Agencies and Referring Agencies. They shall ensure that service
delivery is harmonized and services are responsive based on the assessment
of the needs and situation of the individual persons living with HIV. The
various needs of the client are met by referring to appropriate agencies for
services not provided by his/her own agency.
The C/MSWDO is also a service provider. The C/MSWD Officer shall:
 Assign a social worker as the case manager (CM) responsible in the

management of a particular case. The case manager is oftentimes the Focal
Person of the agency in view of the limited staff of the agency.
 The CM ensures that the PLHIV’s needs are met by the agency or by
referring the client to other agencies such as for medical care, legal assistance
and others. The CM shall be responsible for the following tasks, among
others:
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31
o Conduct child-friendly and gender-sensitive interview to assess the
specific needs of the PLHIV and actively engage her/him in
analyzing and planning her/his intervention program; fills up the
individual Intake form (Form 1);
o Refer PLHIV to appropriate agencies to address his/her specific
needs; fill up the Referral for Service form (Form 2) and enter in the
Referral Registry (Form 4);
o Continue providing services within the context of the over-all care
and support plan; record/document such actions in the PLHIV’s case
folder;
o Provide services as requested by other agencies and accomplish the
Referral Feedback form (Form 3) and enter in the Referral Registry
(Form 4);
o Follow up action on such referrals and reviews feedback forms
(Referral Feedback: Form 3);
o Assess periodically the achievement of the goals of the intervention
program and make adjustments as necessary;
o Conduct a final assessment and prepare to terminate the case;
accomplish a transfer or closing summary of the case.
Ensure a successful referral and an effective case management through

supervision and case consultation; and
Conduct case conferences with members of the multi-disciplinary team to

assess achievement of goals and provision of services to specific clients; assess
gaps in services and recommend measures to enhance the agency referral
system.
Concerns on coordination/implementation of programs and services not resolved at

the agency level should be brought to the attention of the C/MSWDO and the
LAC.
9.3.4. Making a Successful Referral at the Agency Level
Referral service is a major component of the case management process due to the
fact that rarely does any one agency has all the resources to meet the needs of a
client. The following are tips in making a successful referral:
Conduct a gender sensitive interview to assess the specific needs of the

PLHIV.
Assess with the PLHIV and decide what are his/her immediate needs.
Accomplish Intake Sheet (Form 1).
Outline the various options available and help the PLHIV choose the most
suitable in terms of distance, cost, and services.
Discuss shared confidentiality with PLHIV and support him/her what

information he/she may share and with whom.
Give the PLHIV the referral request (Form 2), the name of case manager, contact
numbers and address of RecA.
Referral
Referral System
System for
for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 30 32
Make a note in the PLHIV’s file; follow-up and monitor the referral; expecting
to receive a feedback from the RecA (Form 3) and the PLHIV.
Document the referral in the agency’s Referral Registry (Form 4).
Update Directory of Resources (Form 5) as the need arises.
Assess periodically the achievement of the goals and make adjustment as

necessary.
Referral
Referral System
System for
for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 31 33
9.3.5. The Referral Process and Corresponding Forms
Referring agency
makes the referral
Directory:
Consult it to identify Receiving organization
the appropriate service
provider/agency
Referral Form: Referral Form 2:

Form 2- Fill out form Client takes this to the
then give it to the client service provider/agency
Referral Feedback
Follow-up by
Form:
Receives Client referring agency
Form 4- Fill out form
then place it in the
client’s file
Referral Feedback Referral Feedback
Form: Form:
Referral Register: Fill out Form 3 then Review form returned
Complete and update return to the referring by receiving
agency or to the client organization or client
Referral Register:
Complete and update Referral Feedback
Form: Take action &
update case file
Referral Register:
Complete and update
Referral System
Referral System for
for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 32
34
9.3.6. Indicators of a Successful Referral System
1. Time-bound case management to ensure immediate and effective care and

support services delivery.
2. Harmonization of legal instruments and supportive policies (provisions under

RA 7160 “Local Government Code”, RA 8504 “Philippine AIDS Prevention
and Control Act”, RA 9165 “Dangerous Drugs Law”) to protect the PLHIV,
their families, children and significant others and the passage of local ordinance
such as creation of Local AIDS Council (LAC) at the provincial, city/municipal
levels and budgetary appropriation to support the services.
3. Availability of funds for programs and services, implementation of a

comprehensive STI, HIV, and AIDS prevention, treatment, and control program
at the local level.
4. Cost-effective, quality, accessible, responsive, and complementary psychosocial

programs and services.
5. Available updated and comprehensive Directory of Resources.
6. Utilized and well accomplished referral forms.
7. Functional and actively involved stakeholders.
8. Strong linkage among stakeholders.
9. Effective and regular feed-backing, monitoring, and evaluation of cases.
10. Mechanism in place for complaints and redress of direct service providers and
clients.
11. Updated data banking of PLHIV cases.
Referral
Referral System
System for
for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 33 35
Section 10. Competencies of the Service Providers
The following are the minimum requirements/standards for social workers/direct service
providers who shall manage/handle cases of PLHIV, their families, and significant others:
10.1. Knowledge
a. International and regional human rights instruments and policies (i.e., UDHR,
CEDAW, CRC, UNGASS, MDG) and national laws (RA 8504, RA 9710 (Magna
Carta of Women), RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children), RA 9775 (Anti-Child
Pornography) and others.
b. Case management of STI, HIV and AIDS:

i. Gender-responsive case management
ii. Psychological interventions of HIV and AIDS
iii. Dynamics of the families, children and communities relative to PLHIV
c. Referral System
i. Community resources (health/medical, livelihood, psychosocial, etc.)
ii. Focal persons of the community resources
iii. Roles/responsibilities of concerned agencies e.g. Social Hygiene Clinics,
Treatment Hubs, and other health and social service facilities
10.2. Attitudes and Behavior
a. Gender- sensitive
i. Uses PLHIV and gender sensitive languages (avoids labeling and stereotyping)
ii. Respects and accepts the sexual orientations of his/her clients.
iii. Does not use sexist language/terms.
b. Child- friendly
i. Respects and accepts the infected and affected children of HIV and AIDS
ii. Adheres, protects, and promotes children’s rights
iii. Uses child-sensitive languages
10.3. Skills
a. Case management
i. Interviewing & emphatic/active listening
ii. Intervention planning and implementation
iii. Counseling & other psychosocial interventions
iv. Communication (verbal and written), documentation & data banking
v. Teamwork/multi-disciplinary teamwork
b. Advocacy and social/resource mobilization

i. Project proposal preparation/program development & implementation
ii. Development/organization/mobilization of community resources
iii. Advocacy for policy/program and resource allocation for PLHIV
iv. Interpersonal and human relations
Referral
Referral System
System for
for Care
Care and
and Support
Support Services
Services for
for Persons
Persons Living
Living with
with HIV
HIV in
in the
the Community
Community 34 36
References
Brenda DuBois & Karla Krogsrud Milley (1996) Social Work: An Empowering
Profession. Massachussets: Allen and Bacon.
Department of Social Welfare and Development & International Labour Organization

ILO (2009), Referral System for the Recovery and Reintegration of Trafficked Persons, Manila:
DSWD & ILO.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) & Philippine National AIDS
Council (PNAC), A Self Instructional Manual for Social Workers on HIV/AIDS/STI, Manila:
DSWD & PNAC.
DOH- National Epidemiology Center, Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry 2008 Annual
Report.
DOH Press Release/26 March 2010 http://portal.doh.gov.ph/node/2628
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – Asia. (2008) Beyond Informality, Claiming
Dignity: A Training Course for Capability Building of Leaders and Members of Informal Sector
Organizations, Quezon City
http://portal.doh.gov.ph/pnac/images/files/ungass-declaration.pdf
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/PUBLICSECTORANDGOVERNANCE/Resources/
AccountabilityGovernance.pdf
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/areas/industrialrelations/dictionary/definitions/NONDI
SCRIMINATIONPRINCIPLE.htm
http://www.lga.gov.ph/hiv/national-capital-region.html
Philippine Commission on Women & Inter Agency Council on Violence Against

Women and Their Children (2009), Guidelines in the Establishment and Management of a
Referral System on Violence Against Women at the Local Government Unit Level, Manila:
PCW.
Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), 4th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2005-2010
Philippines, Manila: PNAC.
Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), Implementing Rules and Regulations of

Republic Act 8504 The Philippine National AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, Manila:
PNAC.
Supreme Court (2000). Examination of Child Witness. Manila.
USAID & FHI (2007), Scaling Up the Continuum of Care for People Living with HIV in
Asia and the Pacific, Thailand: FHI.
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (2008), Terminology Guidelines, Manila
WHO Regional Strategy on Sexual and Reproductive Health (2001), Denmark
Women’s Media Circle (2006), The Ultimate Pinoy Advocate’s Glossary on Gender and
Sexuality, Manila: WMC.
Appendices
Appendix A Form 1 Intake Form

Appendix B Form 2 Referral for Service
Appendix C Form 3 Referral Feedback
Appendix D Form 4 Referral Registry
Appendix E Form 5 Directory of Resources
Appendix F Implementing Rules & Regulations of the Philippines AIDS Prevention
and Control Act of 1998 (R.A. 8504)
Appendix G DILG Memorandum Circular 99-233
Appendix H DSWD, DOH, DILG Joint Memorandum Circular On the Formation and
Operation of Regional AIDS Assistance Teams (RAATs)
Appendix I Olongapo City Ordinance on Local AIDS Council
Appendix J Directory of Resources for STI, HIV, and AIDS
Appendix K List of Accredited Laboratories for HIV Testing in Metro Manila
Appendix L List of Treatment Hubs
Appendix A: Intake Form (Form 1)
INTAKE FORM (Form 1) CONFIDENTIAL
Instructions This form should be completed by a fully trained and designated staff of the
implementing agency. Original copy shall be maintained by implementing agency and
shall form part of the client’s records. Any information contained herein and the rest of
the records of the client shall be considered classified information. No information
from this Form shall be shared to anyone except when needed and as may be
authorized. Attach additional pages with continued narrative, if needed. Information
must be encoded in the Referral Registry.
Date of Intake: ________________ Case No. _________
I. Identifying Information
Name: _________________________________ (aka, if any): ______________

Sex:________ Age: _______ Civil Status:_______ Date of Birth: _____________
Place of Birth: ______________________________________________________
Complete Permanent Address: _________________________________________
Provincial: _________________________________________________________
City Address (zone number, if any): _____________________________________
Highest Educational Attainment: ________________________________________
Last school attended by the client:_______________________________________
Address of school: ___________________________________________________
Date/Year___________ Status in school (Pls. check): _______OSY ______ ISY
Occupation: ________________________ Employer: ______________________
Religious Affiliation: ________________ Ethnicity: _________________________
Skills: _____________________________________________________________
Contact No/s: Mobile Phone:________________ Landline: ___________________
Email Address (if any) : _______________________________________________
If the client is minor, name of parent/guardian/custodian: _____________________
Relationship to the client: ______________________________________________
II. Family / Household Composition
Name Age Sex Civil Address Relationship Religious Educational Occupation/ Income Remarks
status to Client affiliation attainment Employer
III. Problem Presented
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
IV. Background of the Case

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
VI. Initial Assessment/Impression

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
VII. Intervention Plan
(Use additional sheet if needed)

Objective Plan Time Funding Responsible Action Expected
(activities) Frame Requirements/ service taken output
Source provider
V. Evaluation/Recommendation
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
PAHINTULOT NG KLIYENTE( INFORMED CONSENT)
Ang mga nabanggit na impormasyon ay pawang katotoohanan at kusang loob

kong ibinigay, at ito ay maaring maibahagi sa ibang ahensya na makakatulong sa
ikabubuti ng aking kasalukuyang kalagayan o kondisyon.
Nilagdaan ko ngayong ____________________, sa tanggapan ng __________

__________________________________
________________________________
Pangalan at Lagda
Prepared by:
__________________________________
Name of Service Provider and Signature
___________________________
Designation
Appendix B: Referral for Service Form (Form 2)
REFERRAL FORM (Form 2) CONFIDENTIAL

This form should be accomplished when referring client for services not provided by own agency.
Instructions Be specific on what types of services are requested.
Note For Referring Agency (RefA) - Please be reminded to attach appropriate documents to complete
the referral. Seal the envelope containing this form and the documents, and then give it to the
client and instruct him/her to give bring it to RecA. After completing this form, fill up the Referral
Registry (Form 4).
Date of referral
Receiving Agency
Contact person/Focal person of receiving agency
Client’s Name Age Sex F M
Occupation of the client If married, number of children
Civil status Educational attainment
Address of client
Name of Parent/Guardian (if minor/child)
Parent/Guardian’s
Address
Client’s Landline Permanent Address
Reason/s for Referral
Specific Support
Service/s Requested
Referring Agency
Address of the Referring Agency
Contact number/s of Referring
agency
Referred by: (Signature over printed name
of worker)
Position/designation
Documents accompanying referral
Noted by: (Signature over printed name)

Position/designation
Appendix C: Referral Feedback Form (Form 3)
FEEDBACK FORM (Form 3) CONFIDENTIAL
Instructions This form should be completed by the Receiving Agency (RecA) after provision of requested services which must be forwarded to the Referring
Agency (RefA).The inclusive dates of provision are needed both at the initial contact and succeeding services. The last column is to be filled up
only by the case manager of client. This form may be given to the client in a sealed envelope or sent to the RefA through courier or other means.
Note The information on this form will be part of the National Care and Support Services Databank (NCSSD), particularly in the Services Provided
field, thus accuracy of information is imperative.
Case no. _______________________ Date: __________________________
Name of Client Age: Sex: Address:

TO: (Referring Agency):
Name of Focal Person/Contact Person:
Address:
FROM: (Receiving Agency):
Name of Focal Person/Contact Person:
Address:
Name of client:
Date referred
Services requested Services provided Name of Inclusive Dates of Provision Other Client’s satisfaction
Service Initial Update Pertinent feedback
Provider/s and Information
Designation such as (Only for case managers)
Problems
Encountered
Referral System for Care and Support Services for Persons Living with HIV in the Community
43
Appendix D: Referral Registry (Form 4)
REFERRAL REGISTRY CONFIDENTIAL

Name of client Case no.
Receiving Agency (RecA) Type of services Date of Date of monitoring (follow Remarks
provided Referral up) and Progress notes
(Status of the case)
Appendix E: Directory of Resources (Form 5)
DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES (Form 5)

Instructions This form should be completed by the CorA, RefA, and the RecA, it serves as reference
before referrals are made. Part I is a list of agencies and individuals providing services
for easy reference, while Part II gives the details of these agencies and individuals as to
their eligibility requirements, specific services and other information about them.
Note Information must be updated periodically to include new partners in the referral network.
Agencies and individuals in the referral network based on the services provided:
A. Residential Care Services

Organization Address Contact Person Contact Number
B. Medical Services
C. Psychological/Psychiatric Services
D. Educational Assistance/Scholarships
E. Vocational Trainings/Skills Development

F. Livelihood Assistance
G. Self-Employment Assistance
H. Micro-Finance
I. Job Placement
J. Legal services
K. Alternative Family Care for Children

L. Others
DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES (FORM 5) Continuation
Agencies/Organizations
Agencies/Organization: ____________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
Contact nos. : ____________________________________________________
Executive Director: ________________________________________________
Focal Person on HIV/AIDS: __________________________________________
Mobile number: ___________________________________________________
Email address: ____________________________________________________
Geographical coverage: _____________________________________________
Clientele served: __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Eligibility Requirements:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Services Provided:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Agency/Organization’s Membership in Community Affairs

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
INDIVIDUAL EXPERT/S
Name: _____________________________________________________________
Office address: _______________________________________________________
Contact nos. landline: __________________________________________________
Home address: _______________________________________________________
Contact nos./landlines: _________________________________________________
Mobile: _____________________________________________________________
Area/s of expertise: ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Fees, if any ________________________________________________________
Membership in Professional Organization/s

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Other relevant information

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Appendix F: Implementing Rules and Regulations
Republic Act No. 8504
Republic of the Philippines

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL AIDS COUNCIL
Manila
RESOLUTION NO. 1
WHEREAS, Republic Act 8504 otherwise known as the "Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control
Act of 1998" was signed into Law by the President of the Republic of the Philippines on February 13, 1998.
WHEREAS, The Philippine National AIDS Council, a multi-sectoral, central advisory, planning and
policy making body is mandated by Law to oversee a comprehensive and integrated HIV/AIDS prevention and
control program in the Philippines whose members were sworn into office by the President of the Republic of the
Philippines on April 6, 1999.
WHEREAS, Article IX, Section 49 of Republic Act 8504 states that within six (6) months after it is fully
reconstituted, The Philippine National AIDS Council is mandated to formulate and issue the appropriate rules and
regulations necessary for the implementation of Republic Act 8504
BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that We, The Members of the Philippine National
AIDS Council do hereby order and issue the following Implementing Rules and Regulations.
SUBJECT: Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 8504 otherwise known as
the "Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998".
Pursuant to Section 49 of Republic Act No. 8504, otherwise known as the Philippine AIDS Prevention and
Control Act of 1998, the following Implementing Rules and Regulations are hereby adopted.
RULE 1
TITLE AND APPLICATION
Section 1. Title
This Administrative Order shall be known as the "Rules and Regulations Implementing the PHILIPPINE
AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1998 (RA 8504)".
Section 2. Purpose
These Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are adopted to disseminate the principles of RA 8504
and prescribe guidelines, procedures and standards for its implementation, to facilitate compliance to and achieve
the objectives of the law.
Section 3. Declaration of Policies
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that recognizes no territorial, social,
political and economic boundaries for which a cure has yet to be discovered. However, even if a cure is
discovered, the Act shall continue to serve as an important guide in sustaining prevention and control efforts and
caring for people of all ages already infected. The gravity of the AIDS threat demands strong State action today
and in the future, thus:
a) The State shall promote public awareness about the causes, modes of transmission, consequences, and
means of prevention and control of the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) through a comprehensive nationwide education and information campaign organized and
conducted by the State. Such campaigns shall promote value formation and employ scientifically proven
approaches, focus on the family as a basic social unit, and be carried out in all schools and training centers,
workplaces, and communities. This program shall involve affected individuals and groups, including people
living with HIV/AIDS.
b) The State shall extend to every person suspected or known to be infected with HIV/AIDS full protection
of his/her human rights and civil liberties. Towards this end,
1. compulsory HIV testing shall be considered unlawful unless otherwise provided in this Act;
2. the right to privacy of individuals with HIV/AIDS shall be guaranteed;
3. discrimination, in all its forms and subtleties, against individuals with HIV/AIDS or persons perceived
or suspected of having HIV/AIDS shall be considered inimical to individual and national interest; and
4. provision of basic health and social services for individuals with HIV/AIDS shall be assured.
c) The State shall promote utmost safety and universal precautions in practices and procedures that carry
the risk of HIV transmission.
d) The State shall positively address and seek to eradicate conditions that aggravate the spread of HIV
infection, including but not limited to poverty, gender inequality, prostitution, marginalization, drug abuse and
ignorance. In seeking to eradicate these conditions, there is no intent to undermine other HIV/AIDS prevention
activities. For example, this Act does not advocate eradicating prostitution through actions which drive the sex
industry out of sight where it is more difficult to conduct HIV/AIDS prevention activities.
e) The State shall recognize the potential role of affected individuals in propagating vital information and
education messages about HIV/AIDS and shall utilize their experience to warn the public about the disease.
f) Consistent with the above mentioned policies and in consonance with the Philippine National
HIV/AIDS Strategy, the State, further, recognizes that:
1) Multi-sectoral involvement is essential to national and local responses to HIV infection;
2) People should be empowered to prevent further HIV transmission. Empowerment for all Filipinos
will come through access to appropriate information and resources for prevention;
3) The formulation of socio-economic development policies and programs should include the
consideration of the impact of HIV infection/AIDS;
4) Resources should be allocated taking into consideration the unique vulnerabilities of various
population groups, including children, affected by HIV/AIDS and its impact; and
5) Continued efforts should be made to constantly improve the performance and assure the quality of
HIV/AIDS related programs.
Section 4. Definition of Terms
As used in this IRR, the definitions of terms are as follows:

1) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - A condition characterized by a combination of signs
and symptoms, caused by HIV contracted from another which attacks and weakens the body’s immune
system, making the afflicted individual susceptible to other life-threatening infections.
2) AIDS Registry - The official record of the number of reported HIV positive and AIDS cases and deaths
confirmed by either the Bureau of Research and Laboratories (BRL) or the Research Institute for
Tropical Medicine (RITM), and reported to the National HIV Sentinel Surveillance System (NHSSS).
3) Anonymous Testing - An HIV test procedure whereby the identity of the individual being tested is
protected or not known. The unlinked anonymous method tests blood drawn for other purposes for HIV
antibodies without the subjects knowledge and with all identifying data removed, while the voluntary
anonymous method tests blood drawn from volunteers who have no identifying information, except a
code number which is matched with a similar code of a given test result.
4) Behavioral Surveillance System (BSS) - A systematic and regular collection of information on risk
behaviors and co-factors of the transmission of HIV infection among selected population groups.
5) Community - A group of persons with something in common.
6) Compulsory HIV Testing - An HIV testing of a person attended by the lack of consent; lack of consent
of the parent when said person is a minor or the legal guardian when the same is insane; or use of
physical force, intimidation or any other form of compulsion.
7) Condom - Is a thin protective barrier or sheath worn over the male or female external reproductive organ.
8) Contact tracing - A method of finding and counseling the sexual partner(s) of a person who has been
diagnosed as having a sexually transmitted disease or diseases.
9) Discrimination - A prejudicial act of making distinctions or showing partiality in the granting of
privileges, benefits or services to a person on the basis of his/her actual, perceived or suspected HIV
status.
10) Government Agency - Any of the various units of government, including a department, bureau, office,
instrumentality or government-owned or -controlled corporation or a local government or a distinct unit
therein.
11) Government Office - Any major functional unit of a department or bureau, including regional offices,
within the framework of the governmental organization. It also refers to any position held or occupied by
individual persons, whose functions are defined by law or regulation. All establishments or offices
outside this definition are considered private offices.
12) Health Worker - A person engaged in health or health-related work in hospitals, sanitaria, health
infirmaries, health centers, rural health units, barangay health stations, clinics and other health-related
establishments.
13) High-Risk Behavior - A behavior or activity which when done increases the risk of acquiring or
transmitting HIV. Examples are unprotected sex with multiple partners, low condom use and sharing of
intravenous needles.
14) Hiring - The process of selecting an individual for a specific position or job.
15) HIV/AIDS Education - The provision of information on the causes, prevention and consequences of
HIV/AIDS and activities designed to assist individuals to develop the confidence and skills needed to
avoid HIV/AIDS transmission and to develop more positive attitudes towards people living with
HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
16) HIV/AIDS Monitoring - The documentation and analysis of the number and the pattern of spread and
transmission of the HIV/AIDS infection and the prevention and control measures directed against it.
17) HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control - The program, strategies and measures aimed at protecting non-
infected persons from contracting HIV and minimizing the impact of the condition on PLWHAs.
18) HIV-negative - Denotes the absence of HIV or HIV antibodies upon HIV testing.
19) HIV-positive - Denotes the presence of HIV infection as demonstrated by the presence of HIV or HIV
antibodies upon HIV testing.
20) HIV status - Denotes whether a person who has undergone an HIV test is HIV-positive or HIV-negative.
21) HIV Testing - A laboratory procedure done on an individual to determine the presence or absence of HIV
infection.
22) HIV Transmission - The transfer of HIV from an infected person to an uninfected one, more commonly
through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, sharing of intravenous needles, or from the mother to the
fetus or infant.
23) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - The virus which causes AIDS.
24) Indigenous Learning Systems - Culturally rooted, formalized, and codified beliefs, knowledge and skills
from recognized alternative systems of instruction which parallel modern private and public schooling.
Classic examples of indigenous learning systems include the tent schools in Ifugao, Islamic or Quranic
schools in Muslim societies, and child socialization practices in cultural communities.
25) Informed Consent - The voluntary verbal or written agreement of a person to undergo or be subjected to
a procedure based on full information.
26) Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) - Individuals who inject prohibited or regulated drugs.
27) Medical Confidentiality - The expectation or situation of protecting and upholding the right to privacy of
a person who had an HIV test or was diagnosed to have HIV. Confidentiality encompasses all
information that directly or indirectly lead to the disclosure of the identity and HIV status of said person.
This information includes, but is not limited to, the name, address, picture, physical characteristic or any
other similar identifying characteristic.
28) Minor - A person who is below 18 years of age.
29) Non-formal Education - An organized non-school, community-based educational activity undertaken by
the Department of Education, Culture and Sports or by other agencies, including private schools, aimed
at attaining specific learning objectives for a target clientele, such as the illiterate, children who do not go
to school, and adults who cannot avail of formal education. It is distinct from and outside of the regular
offering of the formal school system.
30) Non-Government Organization (NGO) - A private, non -profit voluntary organization that is committed
to the task of socio-economic development and established primarily for service.
31) Perceived or suspected HIV status - A judgment or suspicion about the HIV status of a person which may
or may not correspond with the actual HIV status.
32) Person with HIV - An individual whose HIV test indicates, directly or indirectly, that he/she is infected
with HIV.
33) Pre-employment to Post-employment - The continuity of employment starting from the hiring process,
through employment, resignation, retirement and after retirement or resignation of an employee.
34) Pre-Test Counseling - The process of providing information on the biomedical aspects of HIV/AIDS and
the possible results of the HIV test; and providing emotional support for any psychological implication
of undergoing HIV testing to an individual before he or she undergoes the HIV test.
35) Post-Test Counseling - The process of providing risk-reduction information and emotional support to a
person who submitted to HIV testing at the time that the test result is released.
36) Private sector - The sector composed of non-government organizations, people’s organizations, private
schools and universities, business enterprises owned and operated by private individuals or groups, and
other organizations and establishments which are not part of the government.
37) Prophylactic - A medical agent or device used to prevent the transmission of a disease. It does not include
antibiotics and vitamins.
38) Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) - Any disease that is acquired or transmitted through sexual contact.
39) Standardized Basic Information - The amount of knowledge on HIV/AIDS deemed sufficient by the
Department of Health, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of National Defense
and the Civil Service Commission, that enables individuals to take action for their own protection. It
includes information on the nature of HIV/AIDS, its mode of transmission and causes. It discusses the
issues of medical confidentiality, the dignity of the person afflicted with HIV/AIDS, the rights and
obligations of employers and employees towards persons with HIV/AIDS, and the particular
vulnerability of women.
40) Subpoena ad testificandum - A procedure of a competent court inviting a person to testify as a witness
during a court trial or any investigation conducted under the laws of the Philippines. It is commonly
referred to as subpoena.
41) Subpoena duces tecum - A procedure whereby a competent court requires a person to appear in court to
present or provide specified documents and/or materials under her/his control which may be used as
evidence.
42) Termination from work - Dismissal from work or the end of an employer-employee relationship.
43) Tourist - A temporary visitor staying at least 24 hours in the country for a purpose classified as either
holiday (recreation, leisure, sport and visit to family, friends or relatives), business, official mission,
convention or health reasons.
44) Transient - A temporary visitor who stays less than 24 hours in the country visited.
45) Treatment or Care - A health, psychological, spiritual or social intervention extended to a person with
HIV/AIDS.
46) Voluntary HIV Testing - HIV testing done on an individual who, after having undergone pre-test
counseling, willingly submits himself/herself to said test.
47) Window Period - Period of time, usually lasting from two (2) weeks to six (6) months during which an
HIV/AIDS infected individual will test "negative" for HIV antibodies but, since the HIV is present, he or
she is capable of transmitting the same.
RULE 2
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION
Section 5. Nature and Scope

HIV/AIDS education and information shall consist of knowledge, skills and attitude competencies,
accessible and available to all Filipinos, and targeted for the following groups:
a. Students and teachers in the primary, secondary, tertiary and vocational schools;
b. Health workers and their clients in the government and private sectors;
c. Employers and employees in government and private offices;
d. Filipinos going abroad;
e. Tourists and transients;
f. Communities; and
g. Population groups with relatively higher risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV/AIDS.
Section 6. Purpose
Provision of timely, accurate, adequate, appropriate and relevant HIV education and information shall
empower persons and communities to think and act in ways that protect themselves from HIV infection, minimize
the risk of HIV transmission and decrease the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS.
Section 7. Content
The standardized basic information on HIV/AIDS shall be the minimum content of an HIV/AIDS
education and information offering. Additional content shall vary with the target audience.
Selection of content or topic shall be guided by the following criteria:
a) Accurate - Biomedical and technical information is consistent with empirical evidence of the World
Health Organization, the DOH, or other recognized scientific bodies. Published research may be
cited to establish the accuracy of the information presented.
b) Clear - The target audience readily understands the content and message.
c) Concise - The content is short and simple.
d) Appropriate- Content is suitable or acceptable to the target audience.
e) Gender-sensitive - Content portrays a positive image or message of the male and female sex; it is
neither anti-women nor anti-homosexual.
f) Culture-sensitive - Content recognizes differences in folk beliefs and practices, respects these
differences and integrates, as much as possible, folkways and traditions that are conducive to health.
g) Affirmative - Alarmist, fear-arousing and coercive messages are avoided as these do not contribute
to an atmosphere conducive to a thorough discussion of HIV/AIDS.
h) Non-moralistic and non condemnatory - Education and information materials or activities do not
impose a particular moral code on the target audience and do not condemn the attitudes or behaviors
of any individual or population group.
i) Non-pornographic - Content or activity informs and educates and do not titillate or arouse sexual
desire.
Section 8. Approaches
A prototype module or instructional design shall be developed on the standardized basic information on
HIV/AIDS. Additional content suitable to a selected target audience may be added on the prototype.
This HIV/AIDS education and information prototype shall include the following:
a. instructional objectives;
b. content or topics and recommended time allocation;
c. teaching methods and activities;
d. evaluation methods and tools; and
e. recommended qualifications of resource persons.
Partnership and consultation shall be used in the development of the HIV/AIDS education and information
prototype. The Department of Health (DOH), through the Special HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Service
(SHAPCS) shall develop the prototype, within six (6) months from the effectivity date of this IRR, in partnership
and consultation with the:
a. Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);
b. Philippine Information Agency (PIA);
c. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);
d. Department of National Defense (DND);
e. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
f. Department of Tourism (DOT);
g. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC);
h. Civil Service Commission (CSC); and
i. Representatives of private offices and NGOs
Suitability and flexibility shall be the basis for the adoption and modification of the prototype. The specific needs
of each target audience for HIV/AIDS education and information shall be addressed by add-ons to the prototype.
DOH, in collaboration with its partners, shall assure the quality of the prototype through an annual review or as
often as the need arises.
Section 9. Types of HIV/AIDS Education and Information Offerings
The HIV/AIDS education and information offerings shall make appropriate use of the multi-media, namely:
a. Face-to-face instruction as in tutorials, classes, seminars, workshops and discussion groups;
b. Print materials as in modules and other self-instructional materials, brochures, flyers, comic books,
and magazines;
c. Audio and audio-visual activities and materials as in jingles, cassette tapes, radio broadcast, radio
programs, film strips, VHS and beta tapes, and TV programs; and
d. HIV/AIDS distance education where self-instructional materials are sent to the target audience in
accordance with adult learning principles.
Section 10. Levels of HIV/AIDS Education and Information
HIV/AIDS education and information shall be conducted at the following levels:
a. Individual;
b. Group;
c. Organization or institution;
d. Community;
e. Barangay;
f. Municipal;
g. Provincial;
h. Regional; and
i. National
Sec. 11. Structural Modes
HIV/AIDS education and information shall have the following structural modes:
a. Formal - HIV/AIDS education and information is integrated in existing or planned subjects or courses
at the primary, secondary or tertiary levels of education;
b. Non-formal - HIV/AIDS education and information is part of non-degree continuing professional
education programs; orientation, on-the-job training and in-service training; and extension programs
for adult education; and
c. Indigenous learning systems
Sec. 12. Training of HIV/AIDS Education and Information Trainors and Educators
The DOH, through the SHAPCS, in collaboration with its partners in the government and private sectors,
shall undertake a national and regional training program of trainers for the HIV/AIDS education and information
campaign, at least once a year.
Qualifications of the participants for the training for trainers shall include:
a. A health worker, teacher or individual working in the area of human resource development;
b. A representative of a government or private office or agency, school, NGO, community or local
government unit (LGU) that will offer HIV/AIDS education and information training; and
c. Commitment to offer an HIV/AIDS education and information training for educators.
b. Trainers, in turn, shall conduct the HIV/AIDS education and information training for educators at the
group, organization, school, and community or LGU levels.
Educators shall conduct the HIV/AIDS education and information offerings at the individual, group,
course, organization, community or LGU levels.
Other existing venues for the HIV/AIDS trainers and educator's training that may be considered by
SHAPCS are the courses of the various health profession education programs, continuing professional education
programs of the 42 nationally accredited professional organizations and the human resource development
programs of the NGOs, academe and private agencies.
Section 13. HIV/AIDS Education in Schools
DECS, CHED and TESDA shall develop a school-based HIV/AIDS education and information program
which shall include the HIV/AIDS education and information prototype, add-on content, and the development
and provision of multi-media information and instructional materials to schools under their respective
jurisdictions.
HIV/AIDS education shall be integrated into but not limited to science and health, edukasyon pantahanan at
pangkabuhayan (EPP), sibika at kultura, good manners and right conduct (GMRC), and Filipino at the elementary
level; in science and technology, social studies, physical education, health and music (PEHM) and values
education at the secondary and tertiary levels. HIV/AIDS education shall also be integrated by DECS into its non-
formal education program and in the indigenous learning systems. Instructional materials shall be provided for
such purposes.
DECS shall further strengthen its own school-based AIDS education project through the development and
printing of audio-visual materials such as posters, comics, flipcharts, modules, tapes and film strips.
Flexibility in the formulation and adoption of appropriate course content, scope and methodology in each
educational level or group shall be allowed after consultations with the Parents - Teachers - Community -
Association, association of private schools, school officials and other interest groups.
Section 14. HIV/AIDS Information as a Health Service
All efforts shall be exerted to provide inpatients with HIV/AIDS education, individually or in groups,
during their period of confinement in a clinic, hospital or medical center, both government and private. The
HIV/AIDS education prototype, as adopted and modified to suit the needs of this target audience, shall be used
for this purpose.
Outpatient clients of barangay health stations, rural health units; district, provincial and regional
hospitals; private clinics and hospitals; and government medical centers shall be given HIV/AIDS education
seminars or tutorials to the extent possible.
Self-instructional HIV/AIDS materials shall be made available and accessible to inpatients and
outpatients alike by the respective health agencies.
Government and private health facilities and private clinics shall be encouraged by the SHAPCS to play
HIV/AIDS education and information audio and video tapes in the waiting, lounging and/or common rooms for
their clients.
HIV/AIDS education and information shall be an integral part of the work of the health workers and they
shall be trained for this purpose in accordance with Sec. 12 of this IRR.
Government agency members of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) shall ensure that all
public health workers are trained on HIV/AIDS. In the private sector, it shall be the responsibility of the head of
the health institution or agency to qualify the health workers under his or her jurisdiction as trainers and educators
for the HIV/AIDS education and information program.
Section 15. HIV/AIDS Education in the Workplace

HIV/AIDS education shall be integrated in the orientation, training, continuing education and other human
resource development programs of employees and employers in all government and private offices.
Each employer shall develop, implement, evaluate and fund a workplace HIV/AIDS education and information
program for all their workers. The program shall include the following elements:
a. The HIV/AIDS education prototype and the modifications therein, that are suited to the target
audience;
b. List of trainers and other resource persons from the same or other workplace(s);
c. Training schedule;
d. Self-learning information materials such as booklets, brochures, flyers and tapes;
e. Dissemination and distribution schedule of self-learning materials; and
f. A monitoring and reporting scheme
Monitoring and assessment of the workplace HIV/AIDS education program in the private sector shall be the
responsibility of the DOLE, in collaboration with the DOH. The DOLE agencies in charge shall be the Inter-
Agency Committee on STD/HIV/AIDS, chaired by the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of DOLE,
as well as the Department’s Regional Offices. The Labor Inspectorate under the DOLE Bureau of Working
Conditions, shall be responsible for enforcing compliance to the HIV/AIDS Workplace Program.
For members of the AFP and the PNP, this shall be the responsibility of the Armed Forces Chief of Staff and the
Director General of PNP, respectively. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall assist in the monitoring and
assessment efforts for all other groups in the public sector.
Upon inspection, employers shall present records and materials of the HIV/AIDS education and information
program and related activities undertaken.
The quality of the HIV/AIDS education and information program shall be under the Collective Bargaining
Agreement, the human resource development unit or its equivalent in the agency or establishment.
Section 16. HIV/AIDS Education for Filipinos Going Abroad
Filipinos going abroad, consisting of all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), as well as diplomatic, military, trade
and labor officials and staff who will be assigned overseas, shall attend an HIV/AIDS education seminar prior to
departure.
For OFWs, the HIV/AIDS education seminar shall be part of the Pre-Employment and Pre-Departure Orientation
Seminars supervised by the DOLE. For the diplomatic, military, trade and labor officials and staff and their
families, the appropriate agencies shall integrate the HIV/AIDS education into their existing training programs
The HIV/AIDS education prototype and the modifications made therein, in partnership with various agencies and
sectors of government and non-government organizations, to meet the specific needs of the target audience shall
be used for the seminar or training program. Additional self-learning materials such as brochure, flyers and/or
tapes shall be available to each participant.
Section 17. Information Campaign for Tourists and Transients

HIV/AIDS information materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, audio and video tapes shall be
prominently displayed or played, easily accessible and available at places where there are tourists and transients.
These include:
a. commonly-used modes of land, sea and air transport such as buses, ferries and ships, and airplanes;
b. international and domestic ports of entry and exit;
c. passenger departure and waiting rooms of bus, ship and airport terminals;
d. travel agencies, resorts and other tourist spots;
e. restaurants and hotels;
f. information center booths of the DOT.
The DOT and the DOTC shall produce, distribute and disseminate the appropriate multi-media
HIV/AIDS information materials using the HIV/AIDS education prototype as basis. The DOT and DOTC
Regional Offices shall be adequately provided with these information materials for distribution in their respective
areas of jurisdiction.
The DOT, DFA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Bureau of Immigration (BI), in
collaboration with the DOH, shall monitor, coordinate and assess the HIV/AIDS information campaign for
tourists and transients.
Section 18. HIV/AIDS Education in Communities

Local government units (LGUs) through their health, social welfare and population officers shall undertake an
HIV/AIDS education and information program in the community and shall observe the following guidelines:
a. coordinate closely with concerned government agencies, NGOs, PLWHAs and other communitybased
organizations;
b. cover the provincial, city, municipal, barangay and household levels;
c. use the HIV/AIDS education prototype as basis and modify the same to meet the needs of a specific
target audience;
d. utilize multi-media materials and sources; and
e. integrate the HIV/AIDS education and information program into existing community-based
HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs and other health education programs of the LGUs.
The provincial governor, city mayor, municipal mayor and barangay captain, through their respective
local development councils shall produce the HIV/AIDS education and information campaign materials;
and monitor, coordinate, assess and fund the implementation of the HIV/AIDS education and
information campaign in communities.
Section 19. Information on Prophylactics
A labeling material shall be attached to or provided with every prophylactic offered for sale or given as
donation and shall meet the following specifications:
a. Printed information is in English and any locally used Filipino dialect;

b. Size of the labeling material is at least 60 square cms;
c. Text is in font size six (6) or bigger; and
d. One labeling material is provided for each pack of prophylactic
Each labeling material shall include the following information:

a. Date of expiry and date of manufacture;
b. Statement that "sexual abstinence and mutual fidelity are effective strategies for the prevention
of HIV/AIDS and STDs"
c. The statement "When used properly, the use of a condom is a highly effective method of
preventing most sexually transmitted diseases";
d. Instructions on the proper use of a condom;
e. Simple illustration that shows clearly the steps in the correct use of a condom;
f. Advice against the use of non-water-based lubricants like baby oil or petrolatum jelly; and
g. Advice that each condom is used only once
The requirements in this Sec. shall apply one year after the date of effectivity of this IRR. In the case of
condoms supplied by donors, the receiving agency shall be responsible for meeting the said requirements.
Section 20. Forms of Misleading Information
Misleading information may take the form of false or deceptive advertisements. Further, it is misleading
information when the presentation fails to reveal facts material to such presentation or the possible outcomes of
using the products and/or services being advertised.
Information shall be deemed misleading if:
a. Advertisement of the benefits or use of non-prescription drugs, devices and treatments does not
comply with the specifications on indications and labeling as approved by the Bureau of Food
and Drugs (BFAD);
b. Advertisement offers false hopes in the form of a temporary or permanent cure or relief; and
c. Reference to laboratory data, statistics and/or scientific terms used in the advertisement or
packaging comes from doubtful sources or is not quoted accurately
Violations of this specific Sec. shall be punishable with a penalty of imprisonment for two (2) months to
two (2) years. The same shall be without prejudice to the imposition of administrative sanctions or the suspension
or revocation of the professional or business license.
RULE 3
SAFE PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
Section 21. Universal Precautions

Universal Precautions is the basic standard of infection control. The underlying principle is to assume
that all patients and staff are potentially infected with blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B virus.
Universal Precautions is intended to prevent transmission of infection from patient to staff, staff to patient, staff to
staff, and patient to patient.
The procedures for Universal Precautions shall include:
a. Standard hygienic procedures, especially handwashing, should be followed at all times.
b. Hospital or medical center guidelines for disinfection and sterilization should be consulted and
followed faithfully.
c. Any skin disease or injury should be adequately protected with gloves or impermeable dressing to
avoid contamination with a patient's body fluids.
d. Any spills of blood or other potentially contaminated material should be liberally covered with
household bleach (dilution of 1 to 10), left for 30 minutes then carefully wiped off by personnel
wearing gloves.
e. Gown, gloves, mask and protective eyewear should be worn, if possible, during surgery, childbirth
and other procedures where contact with blood or body fluids is likely.
f. Needles and sharp objects should be discarded immediately after use in puncture-proof containers
marked BIOHAZARD. Do not bend or break needles by hand. Do not recap used disposable
needles.
g. Reusable needles and syringes should be handled with extreme care and safely stored prior to
cleaning and sterilization or disinfection
h. Linen soiled with blood or other body fluids should be handled as little as possible. Gloves and a
protective apron should be worn while handling soiled linen.
i. Specimens of blood and body substances should be handled as potentially infectious.
Section 22. HIV/AIDS Core Teams.
All hospitals and other appropriate health care facilities shall establish an HIV/AIDS Core Team
(HACT). HACT is multi-disciplinary group of health workers with policy-making, implementing, coordinating,
assessing, training, research and other project development functions on matters related to the diagnosis,
management and care of HIV/AIDS patients and the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS infection in the
hospital. Its primary objectives are to facilitate the provision of safe, comprehensive and compassionate care to
HIV/AIDS patients by properly trained personnel; to mobilize hospital and community resources towards
minimizing the impact of HIV/ AIDS infection on the patient and his family; and to coordinate all efforts to
prevent and control the transmission of HIV/AIDS infection.
The functions of HACT include:

a. Implement hospital guidelines on the comprehensive care and management of HIV/AIDS patients;
b. Provide care and counseling to HIV/AIDS patients;
c. Promote prevention and control measures/strategies such as health education and hospital infection
control;
d. Facilitate inter- and intra- departmental/agency coordination including referral system and
networking;
e. Perform training and research activities on HIV/AIDS;
f. Provide recommendations on hospital planning and development related to HIV/AIDS;
g. Monitor compliance of ethico-moral guidelines for HIV/AIDS including confidentiality of records
and reports and release of information;
h. Update records and submit reports to concerned offices; and
i. Conduct monitoring and evaluation activities.
HACT shall be composed of five (5) to seven (7) members, which may include, but is not limited to, the
following:
a. Doctors;
b. Nurses;
c. Medical social workers; and
d. Medical technologists
The criteria for selecting HACT members include:
a. Commitment to accept responsibilities and perform the tasks of HACT members;

b. With permanent position, resident physician or specialist;
c. Willingness to undergo training in clinical management and care of HIV/AIDS patients; and
d. High respect for medical confidentiality
In addition to the criteria for a HACT member, the criteria for the selection of a HACT leader include:
a. Commitment to accept responsibilities and perform the tasks of a HACT leader;
b. High level of knowledge of the program, including positive attitudes for the clients of the program;
c. Preferably an infections disease consultant or an internist with a permanent specialist position in the
hospital; and
d. Preferably has a direct involvement in the care and management of patients in the hospital
Section 23. Requirements on the Donation, Acceptance and Disposition of Blood, Tissue, or Organ
Only blood, tissue or organ testing negative (-) for HIV shall be accepted by any laboratory or institution
for transfusion or transplantation.
Before transfusion or transplantation, the recipient or his/her immediate relative may demand, as a matter
of right, a second HIV test; except in an emergency case, as determined by the physician, when testing is not
practical, feasible or available: Provided, That said recipient or immediate relative consents, in writing, to the HIV
test waiver.
Donations of blood, tissue or organ testing positive (+) for HIV shall be disposed of properly and
immediately; or accepted for research purposes only by qualified medical research organizations, and subject to
strict sanitary disposal requirements as contained in the DOH Manual of Nosocomial Infections and Hospital
Waste Management.
Medical research organizations qualified to accept HIV-positive (+) blood, tissue or organ are those
research institutions that have an ethics review board that reviews the process by which the donation of said
blood, tissue or organ was done and have the facilities to properly handle and dispose of HIV-positive (+) blood,
tissue or organ donations.
Procedures and standards regarding donation, transport, handling and disposal of blood, tissue or organs
as contained in the DOH Manual on Nosocomial Infections and Hospital Waste Management which are not in
conflict with this IRR shall continue to be in effect. Revisions in said procedures and standards shall be made
known to all concerned personnel.
Section 24. Guidelines on Surgical and Similar Procedures

Standards for the prevention of HIV transmission enumerated in the procedures for Universal
Precautions found in Sec. 21 of this IRR shall be observed during the following procedures:
a. Surgical;
b. Dental;
c. Embalming;
d. Handling and disposition of cadavers, blood, organs or wastes of HIV (+) persons;
e. Tattooing; and
f. Other similar procedures
A separate manual for each procedure shall be developed and printed by the DOH within one (1) year
from the effectivity date of this IRR.
The development of the said manuals shall be in consultation and coordination with:
a. Hospital associations;
b. Accredited professional organizations;
c. NGOs; and
d. Experts from the academe
The manuals shall be formally signed and dated by the Secretary of Health and shall be incorporated as
an integral part of this IRR.
The manuals shall be distributed to the national, regional and local agencies regulating the
establishments where surgical, dental, embalming, tattooing or similar procedures are performed, to be used for
the following:
a. Issuance of sanitary permits,
b. Accreditation, or
c. Renewal of permits
The regulatory agencies issuing permits or accreditation shall be responsible for the monitoring of the
compliance to these guidelines.
Each manual shall be reviewed and revised periodically. Every revision or updated edition shall be
distributed to the regulatory agencies for enforcement.
Pending the official issuance of the manuals by the DOH, the following issuances, provided they are not
in conflict with this IRR, shall continue to be in effect:
a. Administrative Order No. 18, s. 1995 "Guidelines for the Management of HIV/AIDS in Hospitals"
DOH, 21 November 1995);
b. IRR of Chapter XXI of the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines (1997);
c. Guidelines for Infectious Disease Control in Hospitals by the Committee Members for Hospital
Policies on HIV/AIDS (DOH, July 1997); and
d. Chapter 8, pages 39 to 44 of the Manual on Nosocomial Infections (DOH, December 1993)
Section 25. Penalties for Unsafe Practices and Procedures

Unsafe practices and procedures shall refer to the non-compliance with the recommended universal
precautions in Sec. 21 of this IRR
The penalties of an individual committing unsafe practices and procedures shall be imprisonment for six
(6) to twelve (12) years, without prejudice to the imposition of administrative sanctions such as, but not limited to
the following:
a. Fines; and/or
b. Suspension or revocation of license to practice the profession
Failure of the institution or agency to maintain safe practices and procedures as maybe required by the
guidelines to be formulated in compliance with Sec. 13 of RA 8504, and Sec. 24 of this IRR shall suffer the:
a. Cancellation of the permit or license of the institution or agency; or

b. Withdrawal of the accreditation of the hospital, laboratory or clinic
RULE 4
TESTING, SCREENING AND COUNSELING
Section 26. Consent as a Requisite for HIV Testing

A written informed consent shall be obtained before HIV testing. Said consent shall be made by the:
a. Individual to be tested;
b. Parent of a minor; or
c. Legal guardian of a mentally incapacitated person except for unlinked and voluntary anonymous
testing as provided for in Sec. 29 of this IRR.
It is acceptable for a person being tested to use an assumed name or code name instead of the real name
and written informed consent using said assumed or code name shall constitute lawful consent.
In case the person is unable to write, a thumbprint shall substitute for the signature on said consent.
A written consent of a person to act as a volunteer or donor of his/her blood, organ or tissue for transfusion,
transplantation, or research shall be deemed a consent for HIV testing as provided in Sec. 23 of this IRR.
The DOH, through SHAPCS shall develop a prototype informed consent form in English and any locally
used Filipino dialect which may be modified accordingly. The prototype consent form shall include this excerpt
from Sec. 16 of RA 8504: "RA 8504 prohibits the imposition of HIV testing as a precondition for employment,
admission to an educational institution, freedom of abode, entry or continued stay in the Philippines, the right to
travel or the provision of medical service or any other kind of service".
The duly accomplished informed consent record shall be kept confidential in accordance with Sec. 41 of
this IRR. Except for a valid medical or legal need for this record, no access shall be allowed as provided in Sec.s
39 and 42 of this IRR.
Section 27. Prohibitions on Compulsory HIV Testing

HIV Testing shall not be imposed as a precondition for the following:
a. Employment;
b. Admission to an educational institution;
c. Exercise of freedom of abode;
d. Entry or continued stay in the country;
e. Right to travel;
f. Provision of medical service or any kind of service; and
g. The enjoyment of human rights and civil liberties, including the right to enter into marriage and
conduct a normal family life
Section 28. Exception to the Prohibition on Compulsory Testing

The prohibition on compulsory HIV testing shall be lifted in the following instances:
a. Upon a court order when a person is charged with the crime specified in the following:
.
1. R.A. 3815, as amended, or the "Revised Penal Code" specifically the following Articles:
a. Article 264 -- Administering injurious substances;

b. Article 335 -- Rape;
c. Article 337 -- Qualified seduction; and
d. Article 338 -- Simple seduction
2. R.A. 7659, or the "Death Penalty Act," specifically Sec. 11, paragraph 5 -- Rape, when the offender
knows that he is afflicted with AIDS; and
3. R.A. 8353 or the "Anti-Rape Law of 1997," specifically Sec. 2 --Rape, when the offender knows that
he is afflicted with Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus HIVAIDS or any other sexually transmitted
disease and the virus or disease is transmissible to the victim;
b. Upon order of the court when the determination of the HIV status is necessary to resolve relevant issues
under Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the "Family Code of the Philippines", particularly:
1. "Art. 45. A marriage may be annulled for any of the following causes, existing at the time of the
marriage:
…
(3) That the consent of either party was obtained by fraud, unless such party afterwards, with full
knowledge of the facts constituting the fraud, freely cohabited with the other as husband and wife; and
…
(6) That either party was afflicted with a sexually-transmitted disease found to be serious and appears to
be incurable.
…
Art. 46. Any of the following circumstances shall constitute fraud referred to in number 3 of the
preceding Article:
(3) Concealment of sexually transmissible disease, regardless of its nature, existing at the time of the
marriage; or
c. When complying with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7170, otherwise known as the "Organ
Donation Act" and the Republic Act No. 7719, otherwise known as the "National Blood Service Act".
Section 29. Anonymous HIV Testing
Anonymous HIV testing is a procedure whereby the identity of the individual being tested is protected or
not known. Two methods of anonymous HIV testing are the unlinked anonymous and the voluntary anonymous.
Any person who submits to anonymous HIV testing shall not be required to provide a name, age, address
or any other information that may potentially identify the same. In the case of voluntary anonymous HIV testing
an identifying symbol is substituted for the person’s true name or identity. The symbol enables the laboratory
doing the test and the test person to match the test result with the said symbol.
Section 30. Accreditation of HIV Testing Centers

No person, firm, corporation, center, hospital, clinic, blood bank or laboratory shall perform HIV testing without
accreditation by the DOH, through the BRL, in the Office for Health Facilities, Standards and Regulation
(OHFSR).
The accreditation standards for performing HIV testing provided in Administrative Order No. 55-A, s. 1989 in
ANNEX A shall be an integral part of this IRR, except for Sec.s 7.1.6 and 9.3 which are amended to read:
Sec. 7.1.6. Reagents: The laboratory shall utilize reagents, such as HIV kits, which have been registered with the
BFAD, and evaluated and recommended by RITM.
Sec. 9.3. The names, age, sex and addresses of persons confirmed to be seropositive (by Western blot,
immunofluresence and radioimmune precipitation assay) shall be reported to AIDSWATCH as provided in Sec.
38 of this IRR.
SHAPCS and RITM shall convene a forum for consultation and review of the technical and other related issues
concerning HIV testing annually or as needed. Participants of the forum shall include representatives of DOH,
Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), Philippine Society for Pathologists (PSP), HIV test
kit suppliers, clinical laboratories and blood banks, and individuals actively involved in HIV testing.chan robles
virtual law library
RITM shall serve as the national reference center for HIV testing.
Section 31. Pre-Test and Post-Test Counseling
All individuals, centers, clinics, blood banks or laboratories offering HIV testing shall provide, free of
charge, pre-test and post-test counseling for persons who avail of their HIV testing services.
Pre-test counseling shall include the following:
a. Purpose of HIV testing;
b. Other diseases that should be tested, if applicable;
c. Window period;
d. HIV test procedure;
e. Meaning of a negative and a positive test result;
f. Guarantees of confidentiality and risk-free disclosure;
g. When the result is available and who can receive the result;
h. Basic information on HIV/AIDS infection: nature, modes of transmission, risk behaviors and risk
reduction methods; and
i. Informed consent and prohibition of compulsory testing under most circumstances.
Post-test counseling after a negative test result shall include the following:
a. Release of the test result to the test person or legal guardian of minor;
b. Review of the meaning of negative test result;
c. Discussion of the test person’s immediate concerns;
d. Review of the basic information on HIV/AIDS infection; and
e. Provision of HIV/AIDS information literature and arrangement for a community referral, if necessary.
Post-test counseling after a positive test result shall include the following:
a. Release of the test result to the test person or legal guardian of minor;
b. Assistance and emotional support to the person in coping with the positive (+) test result;
c. Discussion of the person’s immediate concerns;
d. Review of the meaning of a positive test result;
e. Review of HIV/AIDS infection transmission and risk reduction;
f. Explanation of the importance of seeking health care and supervision;
g. Arrangements for referral to health care and other community services and to any organization of people
living with HIV/AIDS; and
h. Assistance with the disclosure of HIV status and health condition to the spouse or sexual partner, as soon
as possible
Pre-test and post-test counseling shall be done in a private place away from possible interruptions. It may be
done at the bedside of an ill person, in a counseling room or in a person’s home, and preferably in a pleasant
atmosphere.
When tests are undertaken of OFWs prior to their employment overseas, group pre-test and post-test
counseling may be done. However, individual counseling shall be provided for an OFW with an HIV positive (+)
result.
Only health workers who had undergone HIV/AIDS counseling training shall provide pre-test and post-test
counseling. The DOH, through the SHAPCS shall produce a training kit and a trainer’s training kit for HIV/AIDS
counseling. The SHAPCS shall conduct national and regional trainer’s training and may utilize the expertise of
the academe and the NGOs for this activity. In turn, the trainers shall conduct HIV/AIDS counseling training for
counselors at the provincial and institutional levels.
Section 32. Support for HIV Testing Centers

The DOH through the SHAPCS shall coordinate the training of medical technologists, pathologists and
other health workers who will staff the testing centers.
The SHAPCS, through RITM, BRL, accredited professional organizations and societies, qualified NGOs
and experts from the academe, shall conduct training courses and workshops on HIV testing at least twice a year.
Content of the training course/workshop shall include:

a. HIV biology;
b. Epidemiology;
c. Principles and methods of HIV testing;
d. Laboratory safety and precautions;
e. Counseling; and
f. Quality assurance
SHAPCS, in collaboration with RITM, BRL, PAMET, LGUs, NGOs and the academe, shall form a
network of HIV testing centers to facilitate the assessment of support needs and the delivery of support services,
including the promotion of continuing professional education and quality assurance. Network members shall meet
at least once a year.
RULE 5
HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Section 33. Hospital-Based Services

A manual on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP Manual) for the provision of a comprehensive and
compassionate hospital-based care services for PLWHAs shall be developed by the SHAPCS, through a
Committee, within 90 days from the effectivity date of this IRR.
The SOP Manual shall ensure the accessibility of basic hospital services and shall contain the technical,
managerial, quality and procedural requirements for the physical, physiologic, psychological, socio-economic and
spiritual care in the hospital of the person living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and the family. The services shall
include:
a. emergency treatment;
b. laboratory services; and
c. diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS, STD, other infections and complications
The Committee shall be composed of representatives from the following offices/sectors:
a. OHFSR;
b. Hospital Operations and Management Service (HOMS);
c. San Lazaro Hospital (SLH);
d. RITM;
e. Accredited professional association (APOs);
f. NGOs;
g. Academe; and
h. PLWHAs
Pending the official release and effectivity date of the SOP Manual, the provision of hospital services for
PLWHAs in government hospitals shall follow the Guidelines in:
h. Administrative Order No. 18, s. 1995 "Revised Guidelines in the Management of HIV/AIDS
Patients in the Hospital" (DOH, 21 November 1995); and
i. Administrative Order No. 9, s. 1997 "Amendment to Administrative Order No. 18, s. 1995
regarding the Guidelines in the Management of HIV/AIDS Patients in the Hospital" (DOH, 10
May 1997) in Annex B1 and Annex B2 of this IRR, which shall continue to be in effect until
further notice of revision by the SHAPCS.
The SOP Manual shall be reviewed periodically and revised accordingly by the SHAPCS, through the
DOH Committee for Hospital Policies on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control.
Section 34. Community-Based Services

The LGUs, through its health, social welfare and population officers, in collaboration, cooperation or partnership
with the following:
a. Concerned government agencies;

b. NGOs;
c. Private sector organizations and establishments;
d. People living with HIV/AIDS; and
e. other vulnerable groups shall develop and support services for the prevention and control of
HIV/AIDS and care of PLWHAs and their families in the community.
These services or programs include, but are not limited to:
a. HIV/AIDS/STD education and information campaign;

b. Counseling;
c. Home-based care;
d. Organizing community-based HIV/AIDS support groups including PLWHAs;
e. Networking of HIV/AIDS support groups; and
f. HIV/AIDS referral system
Community-based HIV/AIDS prevention, control and care services shall be integrated into the
development plans and the existing programs of the province, city, municipality and barangay.
Section 35. Livelihood Programs and Training

Government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOLE,
DECS, TESDA and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and private agencies, as well, shall provide
opportunities for PLWHAs to participate in skills training, skills enhancement and livelihood programs. No
PLWHA shall be deprived of participation by reason of HIV/AIDS status alone.
Skills training and enhancement programs along the interest and capacity of the PLWHAs and livelihood
assistance in the form of capital assistance, marketing assistance and job placement shall be rendered.
The DSWD with DOLE, DILG and private agencies, and utilizing existing mechanisms and strategies,
shall jointly set up a referral system to assist PLWHAs in accessing skills training and livelihood assistance
programs at the regional and provincial levels.
Section 36. Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
To help contain the spread of HIV infection, the DOH, in coordination and cooperation with other concerned
government agencies, LGUs and NGOs, shall pursue the prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases
as provided in:
a. Administrative Order No. 2, s. 1997 "National Policy Guidelines for the Prevention and
Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)" (DOH, 20 February 1997); and
b. Administrative Order No. 5, s. 1998 "Implementing Guidelines in STD Care Management at
the Different Levels of the Health Care System" (DOH, 13 February 1998)
c. Administrative Order No. 17-B, s. 1998 "Implementing Guidelines for STD Case Management
for Children". (DOH, 17 October 1998) in Annex C1 and Annex C2 of this IRR, which shall
continue to be in effect, until further notice of revision by the SHAPCS.
Further, the DOH shall ensure the periodic conduct of studies on the prevalence of STDs, levels of anti-microbial
drug resistance and new treatment modalities for STDs. DOH shall submit a report of the results of these studies
to PNAC.
Section 37. Insurance for Persons with HIV

Within 60 days of the effectivity date of this IRR, the Secretary of Health and the Commissioner of the Insurance
Commission shall create a Task Force that shall oversee a study or studies on the feasibility of offering a package
of insurance benefits for PLWHAs in accordance with the guiding principles of Sections 26 and 39 of RA 8504.
The composition of the Task Force may include, but not limited to, the representatives of the following
offices, agencies, or organizations:
d. DOH;
e. Insurance Commission;
f. Philippine Hospital Association (PHA);
g. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC);
h. Association of private insurers;
i. Association of actuaries;
j. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs); and
k. Other groups, as needed
A report of the results of the feasibility study or studies shall be submitted by the DOH to PNAC within
one year of the creation of the Task Force.
Should the study or studies find that insurance coverage for the PLWHA is feasible, the program shall be
implemented by the concerned agencies. The PHIC shall oversee the implementation of the said insurance
program.
RULE 7
CONFIDENTIALITY
Section 41. Medical Confidentiality

Medical confidentiality shall protect and uphold the right to privacy of an individual who undergoes HIV testing
or is diagnosed to have HIV. It includes safeguarding all medical records obtained by health professionals, health
instructors, co-workers, employers, recruitment agencies, insurance companies, data encoders, and other
custodians of said record, file, or data.
Confidentiality shall encompass all forms of communication that directly or indirectly lead to the disclosure of
information on the identity or health status of any person who undergoes HIV testing or is diagnosed to have HIV.
This information may include but is not limited to the name, address, picture, physical description or any other
characteristic of a person which may lead to his/her identification.
To safeguard the confidentiality of a person's HIV/AIDS record, protocols and policies shall be adopted by
concerned officials, agencies and institutions.
Section 42. Exceptions to the Mandate of Confidentiality

The requirement for medical confidentiality shall be waived in the following instances:
a. When responding to a subpoena duces tecum and subpoena ad testificandum issued by a
court with jurisdiction over legal proceedings where the main issue is the HIV status of an
individual;
b. When complying with the reporting requirements for AIDSWATCH as provided in Sec. 39
of this IRR; and
c. When informing other health workers directly involved or about to be involved in the
treatment or care of a person with HIV/AIDS and such treatment or care carry the risk of HIV
transmission
Health workers who are exposed to invasive procedures and may potentially be in contact with blood and
bodily fluids likely to transmit HIV shall be informed of the HIV status of a person, even without his/her consent.
This information is vital to their protection against acquiring and transmitting the HIV infection through safe
practices and procedures in accordance with Sec.s 21 and 24 of this IRR.
Those who are not at risk of transmission, must not be informed of a person’s HIV status.
All health workers shall maintain shared medical confidentiality.
Section 43. Release of HIV/AIDS Test Results

The result of HIV/AIDS testing shall be confidential and shall be released only to the following:
a. Person who was tested;

b. Parent of a minor who was tested;
c. Legal guardian of an insane person or orphan who was tested;
d. Person authorized to receive said result for AIDSWATCH in accordance with Sec. 39 of this IRR;
and/or
e. A Judge of the Lower Court, Justice of the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court Justice
Section 44. Penalties for Violations of Confidentiality

Penalties for violating medical confidentiality, as provided in Sec.s 30 and 32 of RA 8504, include imprisonment
for six (6) months to four (4) years. Administrative sanctions may likewise be imposed, such as:
a. Fines;
b. Suspension or revocation of license to practice the profession; or
c. Cancellation or withdrawal of the license to operate of any business entity, and the accreditation of
hospitals, laboratories or clinics.
Section 45. Disclosure to Sexual Partners

Any person with HIV shall be obligated to disclose his/her HIV status and health condition to his/her spouse or
sexual partner at the earliest opportune time.
PLWHA may seek the assistance of health workers or counselors providing the post-HIV test counseling on the
matter of disclosure of HIV/AIDS and health status to spouse or sexual partner.
As a general policy, post-test counseling of PLWHA shall aim to assist him/her in informing his/her spouse or
sexual partner of his/her HIV status and health condition at the earliest possible time.
RULE 8
DISCRIMINATORY ACTS AND POLICIES
Section 46. Discrimination in the Workplace

Discrimination in any form, from pre-employment to post-employment, including hiring, promotion or
assignment, based on the actual, perceived or suspected HIV status is prohibited.
All individuals seeking employment shall be treated equally by employers who shall not make any distinction
among job applicants on the basis of their actual, perceived or suspected HIV status.
Persons with HIV/AIDS already employed by any public or private company shall be entitled to the same
employment rights, benefits and opportunities as other employees, namely:
a. Security of tenure;
b. Reasonable alternative working arrangements, when necessary;
c. Social security, union, credit and other similar benefits; and
d. Protection from stigma, demotion, discrimination and termination by co- workers, unions, employers
and clients.
Termination from work on the basis of actual, perceived or suspected HIV status is deemed unlawful.
HIV-infected employees shall act responsibly to protect their own health and prevent HIV transmission.
Acts of discrimination against an individual seeking employment, or in the course of employment, because of
his/her actual, perceived or suspected HIV status, shall be reported to the DOLE by those in the private sector and
to the CSC by those in the government offices and government-owned corporations. DOLE and CSC shall resolve
any such matters brought to their attention, including the implementation of administrative sanctions, as may be
appropriate.
Section 47. Discrimination in Schools

No educational institution shall refuse admission to any prospective student or discipline; segregate; deny
participation, benefits or services to; or expel any current student on the basis of his/her actual, perceived or
suspected HIV status. This shall include any perception or suspicion of HIV status which may arise from a person
being a friend, relative or associate of a PLWHA.
The right to full participation shall include the right to take part in all school activities, including all sports
activities.
HIV-infected students shall act responsibly to protect their own health and prevent HIV transmission.
Section 48. Restrictions on Travel and Habitation
HIV is not among the dangerous, loathsome or contagious diseases referred to in the Immigration Code
(Sec. 29). The freedom of abode, lodging and travel of a person with HIV shall not be abridged. No person shall
be quarantined, placed in isolation, or refused lawful entry into or deported from Philippine territory on account of
his/her actual, perceived or suspected HIV status.
Section 49. Inhibition from Public Service

The right to seek an elective or appointive public office shall not be denied to a person with HIV.
Section 50. Exclusion from Credit and Insurance Services

All credit and loan services, including health, accident and life insurance shall not be denied to a person on the
basis of his/her actual, perceived or suspected HIV status: Provided, That the person with HIV shall not conceal
or misrepresent his or her HIV status to the insurance company upon application. Extension and continuation of
credit and loan shall likewise not be denied solely on the basis of said health condition.
Section 51. Discrimination in Hospitals and Health Institutions

No hospital or other health institution shall deny access to health care services to a PLWHA or those perceived or
suspected to be HIV-infected, nor charge the said persons higher fees. Access to health services must be on an
equal basis for all people, regardless of perceived, suspected or actual HIV status.
Refusal to admit a person to a hospital or health care facility and refusal to provide health care or perform health
services to a person in a hospital or health care facility on the basis of perceived, suspected or actual HIV status
are prohibited acts.
Section 52. Denial of Burial Services

Subject to the observance of universal precautions as outlined in Sec. 21 of this IRR, any deceased person who
was known, suspected or perceived to be HIV positive shall not be denied any kind of decent burial services.
Decent burial services include any ceremonial, burial or cremation practices that conform to culturally acceptable
religious beliefs and norms.
Pending the development and implementation of the Guidelines/Manuals/ Protocol stipulated in Rule 3,
Sec. 24 of this IRR, the following recommendations on undertaking, embalming and cremation of the remains
who died with HIV shall apply:
a. The remains of persons who died with HIV shall be buried or cremated within 24 hours after
the time of death.
b. No embalming of the remains of persons who died with HIV shall take place except:
c. When the family requests for embalming provided that the procedure will be done by a
licensed embalmer, qualified and previously trained by the National AIDS/STD Prevention and
Control Service (NASPCP) on HIV/AIDS and the observance of the practice of universal
precautions.
d. The HIV status of an individual shall not be a consideration in the issuance of permits for the
transfer of such remains.
Section 53. Penalties for Discriminatory Acts and Policies

All discriminatory acts and policies referred to in Sections 46 to 52 of this IRR and in accordance with
RA 8504 shall be punishable with a penalty of:
a. Imprisonment for six (6) months to four (4) years; and
b. A fine not exceeding Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00).
In addition, licenses or permits of schools, hospitals and other institutions found guilty of committing said
discriminatory acts and policies shall be revoked.
RULE 9
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL AIDS COUNCIL
Section 54. Establishment

The Philippine National AIDS Council or PNAC shall be reconstituted and strengthened to enable the Council to
oversee an integrated and comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the Philippines. For all
intents and purposes, PNAC shall be attached to DOH.
Section 55. Functions

The Council shall be the central advisory, planning and policy-making body on the prevention and control of
HIV/AIDS in the Philippines. The Council shall have the following functions:
a. Secure from government agencies concerned recommendations on how their respective agencies could
operationalize specific provisions of RA 8504. The Council shall likewise ensure that there is adequate
coverage of the following:
1. The institution of a nationwide HIV/AIDS information and education program;

2. The establishment of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitoring system;
3. The issuance of guidelines on medical and other practices and procedures that carry the risk of HIV
transmission;
4. The provision of accessible and affordable HIV testing and counseling services to those who are in
need of it;
5. The provision of acceptable health and support services for persons with HIV/AIDS in hospitals
and in communities;
6. The protection and promotion of the rights of individuals with HIV; and
7. The strict observance of medical confidentiality.
b. Monitor the implementation of these rules and regulations, issue or cause the issuance of orders or make
recommendations to the implementing agencies as the Council considers appropriate;
c. Develop a Strategic Plan and update regularly, through a process of multisectoral consultation, that details a
comprehensive national HIV/AIDS prevention and control program. The Plan shall be integrated into the
Medium-Term Development Plan. Said Plan shall include indicators and benchmarks against which PNAC
shall monitor its implementation;
d. Coordinate the activities of, and strengthen working relationships between all partners in the response
including GO, NGOs, private sectors, academe, media, vulnerable communities and people with HIV;
e. Coordinate and cooperate with foreign and international organizations regarding data collection, research
and treatment modalities concerning HIV/AIDS; and
f. Evaluate the adequacy of and make recommendations regarding the utilization of national resources for the
prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. The Council shall facilitate and advocate the provision as well as
mobilization and use of technical, financial and logistical support to government agencies and NGOs for the
development and implementation of plans, programs and projects for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS
in the Philippines.
Section 56. Membership and Composition
The Council shall be composed of the following:
a. The Secretary of the DOH;

b. The Secretary of the DECS or his/her representative;
c. The Chairperson of the CHED or his/her representative;
d. The Director-General of the TESDA or his/her representative;
d. The Secretary of the DOLE or his/her representative;
f. The Secretary of the DSWD or his/her representative;
g. The Secretary of the DILG or his/her representative;
h. The Secretary of the DOJ or his/her representative;
i. The Director-General of the NEDA or his/her representative;
j. The Secretary of the DOT or his/her representative;
k. The Secretary of the DBM or his/her representative;
l. The Secretary of the DFA or his/her representative;
m. The Head of the PIA or his/her representative;
n. The President of the League of Governors or his/her representative;
o. The President of the League of City Mayors or his/her representative;
e. The Chairperson of the Committee on Health of the Senate of the Philippines or his/her representative;
q. The Chairperson of the Committee on Health of the House of Representatives or his/her representative;
r. Two (2) representatives from organizations of medical/health professionals;
s. Six (6) representatives from non-government organizations involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and
control efforts or activities; and
t. A representative of an organization of People Living with HIV/AIDS.
Section 57. Appointment and Tenure

To the greatest extent possible, appointment to the Council must ensure sufficient and discernible representation
from the fields of medicine, education, health care, law, labor ethics and social services.
All members of the Council shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines, except for the
representatives of the Senate and the House of Representatives, who shall be appointed by the Senate President
and the House Speaker respectively.
The members of the Council shall be appointed not later than thirty (30) days after the date of the enactment of
RA 8504.
Representatives of heads of government agencies shall at least hold a Director-level position.
NGO membership in PNAC shall consider sectoral representation as a factor in its selection. PNAC shall review
the sectors to be represented by NGOs every two years. Selection of sectors shall consider the following
information:
a. Epidemiological studies - infections reported by AIDSWATCH and surveillance data;
b. Socio-behavioral studies - vulnerability of particular population groups; and
c. Demographic studies - size of population at risk
NGO representatives appointed to PNAC shall be NGOs from the sectors selected. They shall bring the concerns
and issues of the sector they represent to PNAC. Where this is not possible, NGOs working with and advocating
the concerns and issues of selected sectors shall be eligible to be NGO members of PNAC, as representatives of
said sectors.
NGO members to PNAC shall meet the following qualifications:
a. At least three years experience of working productively for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS;
b. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
c. HIV/AIDS-related programs and projects are not limited to one region of the country; and
d. Implement programs/projects that show potential for national replicability
The members representing the medical/health professional groups, non-government organizations and the
representative of an organization of PLWHA shall be appointed initially for a period of two years. Subsequently,
the said positions shall be filled via a nomination process as follows:
a. Call for nominations of qualified representatives shall be published by PNAC, allowing a period of
one month for the receipt of the nominations;
b. A Nomination Committee composed of the PNAC Chair, Vice-Chair and three other PNAC members
shall review the nominations, rank the nominees and submit its recommendations to PNAC for action;
c. PNAC shall recommend two (2) nominees per position to the President.
The Secretary of Health shall be the permanent chairperson of the Council. The vice-chairperson shall be elected
by the Council members and shall serve for a term of two (2) years.
Section 58. Meetings and Quorum
The Council shall hold regular meetings at least once every quarter. Special meetings may be convened by the
Chairperson outside of the regular meetings as the need arises. The presence of eleven (11) members shall
constitute a quorum. In the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, a presiding officer shall be
elected by the majority of the members present.
Section 59. Reports
All PNAC member agencies shall submit to the Council quarterly progress reports and annual reports of the
programs and projects on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS of their respective agencies or organizations.
The Council, in turn, shall consolidate the reports of its member agencies for submission to the President and to
both Houses of Congress on an annual basis.
Section 60. Technical Committee

A Technical Committee shall be formed by PNAC to be composed of representatives from the different member
agencies of the Council. This Committee shall facilitate inter- and intra-agency coordination and monitoring of
HIV/AIDS policies and programs and support PNAC in its functions
Section 61. Creation of Special HIV/AIDS Prevention & Control Service
There shall be created in the Department of Health a Special HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Service
(SHAPCS) which shall be headed by a Director and staffed by qualified medical specialists and support staff with
permanent appointments. It shall implement programs on HIV/AIDS prevention and control. In addition it shall
also serve as the Secretariat of the Council
.
RULE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 62. Rules of Interpretation

These Implementing Rules and Regulations shall be interpreted in the light of the provisions of the Constitution of
the Republic of the Philippines and the declaration of policies under Sec. 2 of the Republic Act 8504.
Section 63. Separability Clause
In the event that any part or provision of these Implementing Rules and Regulations is declared invalid for any
reason, the other parts or provisions thereof not affected thereby shall continue to be in force and effect.
Section 64. Repealing Clause

All pertinent laws, Presidential Decrees, Executive Orders, Rules and Regulations which are inconsistent with the
provisions of these Implementing Rules and Regulations are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Section 65. Amendments

These Implementing Rules and Regulations may be amended, modified or supplemented when necessary for
effective implementation and enforcement of RA 8504.
Section 66. Effectivity

These Implementing Rules and Regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its submission to the Office of
the National Administrative Register
Section. 67. Approved in the City of Manila, this thirteenth day of April in the year of Our Lord,
nineteen hundred and ninety-nine.
Appendix G: DILG Memorandum Circular
Appendix H: DSWD, DOH, DILG Joint Memorandum Circular
on Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAATs)
Appendix I: Olongapo City Ordinance on Local AIDS Council
16 June 2005
ORDINANCE NO. 37
(Series of 2005)
AN ORDINANCE PROMULGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES FOR THE PREVENTION AND

CONTROL OF HIV/AIDS/STD IN OLONGAPO CITY, CREATING THE OLONGAPO CITY AIDS
COUNCIL AND PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES
FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, THAT:
ARTICLE I
TITLE OF THE ORDINANCE
SECTION 1. Short Title- This Ordinance shall be known as the Olongapo City HIV/AIDS/STD Prevention and
Control 2005.
ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF POLICIES
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policies and Principles. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a
disease/condition that recognizes no territorial, social, political and economic boundaries for which there is no
known cure. The gravity of the AIDS threat demands strong state of action today, thus, the City Government of
Olongapo shall adhere to the following international, national and local policies and principles:
SECTION 2.a. ARTICLE 3, of the United Nations Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women (UNCEDAW) states the obligations of the state to take all appropriate measures to ensure the full
development and advancement for women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of
human rights and fundamental freedoms on the basis of equality with men;
SECTION 2.b. ITEM C, Women and Health of Strategic Objectives and Actions of THE BEIJING
DECLARATION AND PLATFORM FOR ACTION which was adopted by the United Nations of the Fourth
World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, our country, being a signatory, committed to:
Increase women’s access throughout the life cycle to appropriate, affordable and quality health care, information
and related services;
Strengthen preventive programs that promote women’s health;
Undertake gender-sensitive initiatives that address sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and sexual and
reproductive health issues;
Promote research and disseminate information on women’s health;
Increase resources and monitor follow-up for women’s health.
SECTION 2.c. ITEM D, Violence Against Women (VAW) of the Strategic Objectives and Actions of THE
BEIJING DECLARATION AND PLATFROM FOR ACTION, our government is committed to:
Study the causes and consequences of violence against women and effectiveness of preventive measures;
Eliminate trafficking in women and assist victims of violence due to prostitution and trafficking.
SECTION 2.d. ARTICLE 34, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) provides that the state
shall protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, including prostitution and involved in pornography;
SECTION 2.e. ARTICLE II, SECTION 10, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “The state values the
dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights”;
SECTION 2.f. ARTICLE II, SECTION 14, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “The state recognizes
the role of women in nation building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and
men”;
SECTION 2.g. SECTION 15, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states “The state shall promote the right to
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them”;
SECTION 2.h. ARTICLE II, SECTION 18, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “The state affirms
labor as primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare”;
SECTION 2.i. ARTICLE II, SECTION 20, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “The state recognizes
the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed
investment”;
SECTION 2.j. ARTICLE II, SECTION 23, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “The state encourages
non-governmental, community-based, sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation”;
SECTION 2.k. ARTICLE II, SECTION 25, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “The state shall ensure
the autonomy of local government”;
SECTION 2.l. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8504 known as “An Act Promulgating and Preventing Measures for the
Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines” was enacted declaring the following policies:
a. The state shall promote public awareness about the causes, modes of transmission, consequences, means of
prevention, citywide education and information, and employ scientifically proven approaches, focus on the family
as a basic social unit, and be carried out in all schools and training centers, workplaces, and communities. This
program shall involve individuals and groups who are concern with regulation and prevention of HIV/AIDS;
b. The state shall extend to every person suspected or known to be infected with HIV/AIDS full protection, on
his/her human rights and civil liberties. Towards this end:
compulsory HIV testing shall be discouraged unless otherwise provided in this ordinance;
the right to privacy of individuals with HIV shall be guaranteed;
discrimination in all its forms and subtleties, against individuals with HIV or persons perceived or suspected of
having HIV shall be considered inimical to individual’s interest; and
provision of basic health and social services for individuals with HIV shall be assured.
c. The state shall promote utmost safety and universal precautions in practices and procedures that carry the risk
of HIV transmission;
d. The state shall positively address and seek to eradicate conditions that aggravate the spread of HIV infection.
including but not limited to poverty, gender, inequality, prostitution, marginalization, drug abuse and ignorance;
e. The state shall recognize the potential role of affected individuals in propagating vital information and
educational messages about HIV/AIDS and shall utilize their experience to warn the public about the disease.
SECTION 2.m. PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTION ORDER NO. 273, approved and adopted the Philippine Plan for
General-Responsive Development (1995-2025), directs all government agencies at the national, regional and local
levels to take appropriate steps to ensure the policies, programs, projects and strategies outlined thereat;
SECTION 2.n. ITEM 3, Policies and strategies, Policy Advocacy and Legal Forms of the Philippine Plan for
General Responsive Development (PPGD) states that “women and children should no longer be arrested or fined
like criminals” (ESCAP, 1991:57). Decriminalization of the prostituted should go hand in hand with apprehension
and prosecution of agents, recruiters, traffickers, pimps, procurers, establishment owners, customers and others
who derive sexual gratification, financial gain and advancement, or any other benefit from prostitution of others.
Decriminalization means the abolition of sexist discrimination in general and removing the culpability and
criminality which the law places specifically on women prostitutes”;
SECTION 2.o. It is a declared policy of the city government to promote the welfare and well-being of the general
public;
SECTION 2.p. The city government is responsible to educate the community in preventing the spread of HIV and
other sexually transmitted diseases;
SECTION 2.q. It is the responsibility of the city government to provide assistance to the local individuals and
their families affected by STD/HIV/AIDS;
SECTION 2.r. The City of Olongapo recognizes the fact that prostitution is a growing social menace in the
society;
SECTION 2.s. Recognition of the efforts of various non-government organizations who supported and lobbied
which lead to the passage of this ordinance;
SECTION 2.t. In compliance with the provisions of the Constitution, Republic Act No. 8504, and other existing
international, national and local laws and directives, efforts should be made by the city government to enact
policies and measures that will ensure the promotion of the right to health and protection of its constituents from
any health and social ills that will hamper their full development;
ARTICLE III
DEFINITION OF TERMS
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms - As used in the Ordinance, the following terms are defined as follows:
(a) “Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)”- shall mean a condition characterized by a combination of
signs and symptoms, caused by HIV contracted from another person and which attacks and weakens the body’s
immune system, making the afflicted individual susceptible to other life threatening infections.
(b) Condom- shall mean a device use to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS/STD.
(c) Decriminalize- shall mean to eliminate criminal penalties for possession or use of as defined on Section 2.m of
Article II of this ordinance.
(d) Entertainment Establishment’s policies- shall refer to the statement of provisions of work and benefits of
entertainers/employees.
(e) Floor Manager- refers to an individual who supervises the activities of the entertainers.
(f) “Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)”- refers to the virus which causes AIDS.
(g) “HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control”- refers to measures aimed at protecting non infected persons from
contracting HIV and minimizing the impact of the condition of People Living with HIV.
(h) “Person living with HIV: - refers to an individual whose HIV test indicates, directly or indirectly, that he/she
is inflected with HIV.
(i) Operator- refers to any natural or juridical person/s who or which is/are granted permit / license to operate an
entertainment establishment.
(j) Lewd- inclines to characterized by or inciting to lust or lechery; obscene or indecent; low or vulgar or shall
mean in accordance with Offenses Against Decency and Good Customs of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code.
(k) Manager- refers to an individual who has the direct control and supervision of the employees working within
the establishment; their other job descriptions shall be defined by their employers.
(l) Entertainer- shall mean a person who is employed in an entertainment establishment who renders
entertainment service to customers, such as GROs, dancers, masseurs, cocktail waitresses and other similar
occupation.
(m) Information Dissemination- refers to the process of relaying the policies, manner of prevention, causes and
sources of infection of STD/HIV/AIDS to all persons, operators and workers in the entertainment industry.
(n) Illegal Entertainment- refers to entertainment establishment which operates without business permit.
(o) Entertainment Establishments- are business establishments which include but not limited to the following:
bars, night clubs, disco houses, beer houses, cocktail lounges, massage clinics, karaoke bars/sing-along pub
houses and other similar establishments which secured a permit to operate within Olongapo City.
(p) Information Material- shall mean any written and/or printed material, which educates the public.
(q) Medical Practitioners- licensed Doctor of Medicine engaged in health work in hospitals, clinics, sanitaria,
health stations, barangay health centers and the like.
(r) Employee- includes any person in the employ of an employer.
(s) Minor- a person who is below eighteen (18) years of age or those who are unable to fully take care of
themselves or protect themselves because of a physical or mental disability or condition.
(t) Reproductive Health- As defined in the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development and
the World health Organization and affirmed during the Beijing Conference of the United Nations, “reproductive
health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and
infirmity in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its functions and processes”, i.e. people are able to
have a satisfying and safe life and have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide, when and how to
do so.
ARTICLE IV
FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE OLONGAPO CITY AIDS COUNCIL
SECTION 4. Functions and Powers of the Olongapo City AIDS Council.
SECTION 4.l Composition of the Olongapo City AIDS Council. The Olongapo City AIDS Council shall be
composed of multi-sectoral/heads from the city government:
City Mayor - Honorary Chair

City Council Chairman of the Committee – Chair on Health
City Health Officer - Co-Chair
City Council Chairman of the Committee – Member on Women
Chief of the Hospital, JLGMH - Member
HACT – JLGMH - Member
City Schools Superintendent DepEd – Member
Tertiary Education Representative - Member
Religious Sector Representative - Member
Women’s Desk Head - Member
City Social Welfare Officer - Member
UBSP Programme Officer - Member
DOH Representative - Member
Business Sector Representative - Member
Gay Club Representative - Member
Reproductive Health Wellness Center Head - Member
SECTION 4.2. Powers and Functions of the Council – the Olongapo city AIDS Council shall have the following
powers and functions:
SECTION 4.2a. Formulate Policies and strategies for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS/STD with
Olongapo City;
SECTION 4.2b. Prepare short term, medium term and long term plans for the prevention and control of
HIV/AIDS/STD;
SECTION 4.2c. Identify and prepare remedies to problems in program coordination, gaps in policy guidelines and
enhance local multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS/STD concern;
SECTION 4.2d. Initiate skills training advocacy programs, and develop strategies to benefit the people with high-
risk sexual behavior, to STD;
SECTION 4.2e. Conduct a yearly seminar in all education institution with a tertiary level, and all modules or
educational materials produced by them shall be approved by the parents-teachers organizations;
SECTION 4.2f. Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod enactment of laws that shall control and prevent the
spread of HIV/STD/AIDS;
SECTION 4.2g. Conduct studies as to causes of HIV/STD/AIDS incidence in Olongapo City;
SECTION 4.2h. Shall ensure that education and information activities on Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS/STD
prevention shall reach the different communities;
SECTION 4.2i. The AIDS Council Shall recommend the closure of any establishment found violating the
prohibited acts as mentioned under Article VIII of the Ordinance;
SECTION 4.2j. Secretariat of the Olongapo City AIDS Council. The Secretariat shall be the Reproductive Health
and Wellness center (PHWC) which can jointly work in partnership with an accredited NGO or institution.
ARTICLE V
DECLARATION OF AIDS AWARENESS MONTH
SECTION 5. AIDS Awareness Month. The Celebration of AIDS Awareness Month shall be part of the year-long
activities of the City.
SECTION 5.1. Declaration of the AIDS Awareness Month. The months of December and May are hereby
declared as AIDS awareness months to coincide with the commemoration day for People Living with HIV/AIDS
and the International Day of Action on Women’s Health. AIDS awareness should culminate on the month of
December being the World AIDS prevention month;
SECTION 5.2. Advocacy Program for the AIDS Awareness Month. There shall be an advocacy program for the
whole month of December for the dissemination of information for the prevention and control of AIDS.
ARTICLE VI
FUNCTIONS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER (RHWC)
SECTION 6. Renaming of the Social Hygiene Clinic to Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) and
providing its functions. The RHWC shall function, but not limited to the following:
SECTION 6.a. Shall provide reproductive health care services;
SECTION 6.b. Shall provide education and information dissemination activities on the promotion of reproductive
health, prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and STD;
SECTION 6.c. Case management of clienteles for various necessary information;
SECTION 6.d. Shall provide reintegration and renewal program for entertainers and other person who have
practiced high risk sexual behavior, livelihood programs, counseling and crisis intervention, training, organizing
and other needs of their clientele;
SECTION 6.e. Shall monitor and evaluate cases handled;
SECTION 6.f. Shall coordinate with other agencies of the city government for referral of cases and provision of
other health care services and other needs of its clienteles like livelihood projects, alternative home, scholarship
and other agencies;
SECTION 6.g. Minors shall be referred to concerned agencies (GOs and NGOs) for further assistance;
SECTION 6.h. Shall conduct HIV Antibody Test for the entertainers and those with similar occupation in a
voluntary, regular basis. Further, pre and posttest counseling shall likewise be administered before any
examination may be considered;
SECTION 6.i. RENAMING OF PRO-BOOK. The pro-book is likewise hereby renamed as Health Card.
ARTICLE VII
RULES AND REGULATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF HIV/AIDS/STD
SECTION 7. Rules and Regulations for the Prevention of HIV/AIDS/STD. It shall be required to an individual,
group or establishment concerned to abide with the following rules and regulations:
SECTION 7.a. RULES REGARDING COMPULSORY AIDS/STD EDUCATION. It shall be

mandatory/compulsory for all operators and /or managers and entertainers of an entertainment establishment to
attend seminar on AIDS/HIV/STD prevention conducted semi-annually by any of the agencies such as RHWC,
Olongapo City AIDS Council, and NGO’s accredited by the City government, otherwise, no permit to operate
shall be granted to said registered entertainment establishment for violation thereof;
SECTION 7.b. REQUIREMENT FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMIT TO OPERATE. No establishment shall be
allowed to operate unless a certificate of attendance to all its employees has been issued in compliance with
Section 11 of Article VII;
SECTION 7.c. PEER EDUCATOR REQUIRED. It shall be required to all entertainment establishments to train
at least one (1) peer educator, however, this provision shall take effect only one (1) year after the effectivity of
this ordinance, otherwise, no permit to operate shall be issued in its behalf;
SECTION 7.d. AVAILABILITY OF CONDOMS AND OTHER INFORMATION MATERIAL FOR THE
PREVENTION OF HIV/STD SHALL BE AVAILABLE IN ALL ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS
INCLUDING HOTELS, MOTELS, LODGING HOUSES, SAUNA AND OTHERS;
SECTION 7.e. THE AVAILABILITY OF CONDOMS. It shall be required that all Entertainment Establishments,
hotels, motels, lodging, houses, sauna and others to make condoms available within their establishments and
provide guidance on the correct and consistent use of the same;
SECTION 7.f. INFORMATION MATERIAL. It shall be required that all Entertainment Establishments, hotels,
motels, lodging houses, sauna and others to make information materials on HIV/AIDS/ and STD prevention and
control available within the establishments and to provide such information materials when requested by
customers especially on the guidance on the correct and consistent use of condom;
SECTION 7.g. THE VISIBILITY OF POSTERS and other INFORMATION MATERIALS. All entertainment
establishments, hotels, motels, lodging houses, sauna and others are required to make their posters visible within
their premises particularly located in comfort rooms and dressing rooms;
SECTION 7.h. CONDUCT OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF ENTERTAINERS AND OTHERS WITH

SIMILAR OCCUPATION. All entertainers and others with similar occupation shall undergo a weekly medical
examination (Gram Staining) to be conducted in a regular basis by the RHWC;
SECTION 7.i. ATTENDANCE TO SEMINARS. No entertainment establishment shall be given license or permit
to operate unless the operator or entertainer shall have attended the seminar as required by this ordinance and an
approved module to this effect shall be approved by the AIDS Council and RHWC for the uniformity of the
implementation;
SECTION 7.j. NEWLY REGISTERED ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENT. It shall further be mandatory

to all operators/managers and supervisors of a newly registered entertainment establishment to attend seminars
and to secure a certificate of attendance before it can be issued a license to operate;
SECTION 7.k. AGENCIES TASKED TO CONDUCT SEMINARS and MONITORING ACTIVITIES. The
RHWC, Olongapo City AIDS Council, and NGOs accredited by the City Government including the AIDS Society
of the Philippines, Inc. (ASP) are hereby tasked to conduct seminars on Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS and
STD semi-annually and to make themselves accessible and available for seminar purposes to such operators and /
managers and entertainers and other person who may need such services. They shall monitor from time to time
the compliance to Section II of this ordinance and monitoring shall include inspection of proof of certificate of
attendance of operators and/or managers and entertainers through attendance sheet;
SECTION 7.l. ELIMINATION OF SOCIAL STIGMA. All the activities to be undertaken for the prevention and
control of HIV/AIDS should be addressed towards both men and women. Women’s and children’s vulnerability
to HIV/AIDS/STD infection based on their reproductive and psychological attributes should be highlighted;
SECTION 7.m. SUBMISSION OF POLICIES. It shall be compulsory for all operators and/ or managers of
entertainment establishments to provide the city government and the entertainers copies of the entertainment
establishment policies in accordance with labor laws and other related national and local policies;
SECTION 7.n. CONCERNING BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER LEGAL DOCUMENTS. All applicants
seeking employment in entertainment establishments shall submit an application for working permit at the Permit
and Licensing Office. As prerequisite to approval of said permit, he/she must present a certified original copy of
the birth certificate. Said Office shall then process the request with corresponding line agencies concerned upon
payment of processing fee;
SECTION 7.o. COMPILATION OF ROSTER OF ENTERTAINERS/EMPLOYEES. The RHWC shall maintain

a regular compilation of all entertainers and employees (master list) particularly indicating their ages and
respective establishment where they are employed;
SECTION 7.p. CLEARANCE FOR TRANSFER. It shall be compulsory for any entertainer to secure health
clearance from the RHWC before transferring from one establishment to another within the city.
ARTICLE VIII
PROHIBITED ACTS
SECTION 8. PROHIBITED ACTS IN ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS. No entertainment

establishment shall practice any of the following prohibited acts:
SECTION 8.a. Offering entertainment that appeals exclusively to the prurient interests of people and must be in
accordance with the entertainment for the public and general patronage as provided by the Revised Penal Code;
SECTION 8.b. Allowing presentation of lewd shows and other entertainment activities that violate gender
sensitive accepted standards offensive to morals, decency, and obscenity;
SECTION 8.c. Provides facilities such as private entertainment rooms with looks from the inside and outside
glass, partition/walls that are non-transparent or with any form of obstruction from the public view that facilities
the practice of illegal activities such as prostitution, use of illegal drugs, acts of lasciviousness and other illegal
acts that violates women’s right. Establishments are allowed to put a three (3) feet based partition six (6) months
to comply upon passage of this ordinance;
SECTION 8.d. Tolerating the activities of pimps or any person soliciting money for sexual favors;
SECTION 8.e. Any patron, pimp, manager or operator, government official/employee or any person caught
watching or participating in anyway during the conduct or showing of a lewd show shall be likewise penalized;
SECTION 8.f. No public official or government enforcement officer shall be allowed to apprehend the woman
and children found within an entertainment establishment, otherwise, such act shall be penalized in this ordinance;
SECTION 8.g. No operator/owner/manager can dismiss or penalize an entertainer by reason of rejection of a

client;
SECTION 8.h. Any person who shall insist to stay in an entertainment establishment when he has been requested
to leave by reason of exhibiting behavior contrary to public norms maybe penalized under this ordinance;
SECTION 8.i. No entertainment establishment can refuse entry to an unescorted lady/woman;
SECTION 8.j. Any person who shall falsify the certificate of attendance shall be penalized in this ordinance;
SECTION 8.k. No person shall make any monetary / financial collection or other form with material value except
for payment of duly authorized membership dues of accredited organization;
SECTION 8.l. No police officer or any officer in charge in the enforcement of any law can arrest any minor or
women on mere suspicion that they engaged in solicitation of money for sexual favors or vagrancy unless they
have proven otherwise;
SECTION 8.m. PROHIBITION AGAINST MEDICAL MALPRACTICE. No medical practitioner or other staff
assisting or directly providing medical services /exams to clientele shall be insensitive and/ or inhumane in their
treatment of said patients. Clientele should be made aware of their rights to file charges for abuses committed
against them;
SECTION 8.n. PROHIBITION AGAINST HIRING OF MINORS. No entertainment establishment shall be

allowed to hire any minor;
SECTION 8.o. REGULATION CONCERING MINOR WITHIN AND NEAR THE VICINITY OF AN
ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENT;
SECTION 8.p. No minor shall be allowed to enter the entertainment establishment, and when a minor is found
violating this provision, his/her parents shall be liable for such offense;
SECTION 8.q. All minors shall be prohibited within and five (5) meters away from an entertainment
establishments, unless accompanied by a parent, relative or a person of the age of the majority;
SECTION 8.r. Any parent found neglecting his/her parental authority and as a consequence, a minor is found
violating this ordinance, the parents shall be charged and not the minor;
SECTION 8.s. PROHIBITION AGAINST DIVULGING OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF PEOPLE

LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS/STD. Any person working in the government or any NGO who shall have access to
confidential information acquired by reason of his/her position in the implementation of this ordinance, and who
shall divulge the same to the public shall be prohibited.
ARTICLE IX
PENALTY PROVISION
SECTION 9. Any person found guilty of violating all the provisions of Articles VII and VIII of this ordinance
shall be meted with the following penalties:
SECTION 9.a. First Offense – to pay a fine P2,000.00 and/or an imprisonment of one (1) month;
SECTION 9.b. Second Offense – to pay a fine of P3,000.00 and/or imprisonment of three (3) months;
SECTION 9.c. Third Offense – to pay fine of P5,000.00 and/or imprisonment of six (6) months and / or
permanent closure of establishments;
SECTION 9.d. Any government officer found guilty violating any Sections of this Ordinance shall be charged
administratively against graft and corruption practice and shall pay a fine P5,000.00 and imprisonment of one
year.
ARTICLE X
IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
SECTION 10. Implementation and Monitoring.
SECTION 10.a. Implementing and Monitoring Agencies. The following city government offices and private
agencies are tasked to coordinate in the strict compliance and enforcement of this ordinance:
City Health Office

License and Permit Division
AIDS Council
Olongapo City Police Office – Women’s Desk
Gender Development office / Council
Social Welfare and Development Office
AIDS Task Force
SECTION 10.b. AIDS TASK FORCE. This refers to the group of individuals appointed by the city mayor which
shall function as the agency which conduct HIV testing surveillance and Counseling. It shall conduct regular
HIV/STD surveillance activities and testing;
SECTION 10.c. POLICE WOMEN’S DESK. The PNP Women’s Desk is tasked to file all corresponding
violation on the prohibited acts of this ordinance.
ARTICLE XI
APPROPRIATION
SECTION 11. Appropriation. An amount equivalent to 10% of the GAD fund (which is 5% of the General Fund
of the city) shall be appropriated to fund the project mentioned in this ordinance, provided further that at least
30% thereof shall be used to purchase medicines for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
Revenues derived from smear test, business tax and related tax collected from the entertainment industry shall be
solely allocated for the use of the RHWC.
ARTICLE XII
FINAL PROVISION
SECTION 12. Final Provisions.
SECTION 12.a. Separability Clause. If for any reason, any section or provision of this ordinance is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to
be in full force and effect;
SECTION 12.b. Repealing Clause. All ordinance, local issuances or rules inconsistent with the provisions of this
ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly;
Con’t. of Ordinance No. 37 Series of 2005.
SECTION 12.c. Effectivity Clause. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval and posting in 3
conspicuous places in the city;
SECTION 12.d. Let copies of this ordinance be furnished the AIDS Society of the Philippines and the Olongapo
City AIDS Council, Inc. for their information and record.
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, May 25, 2005.
Original Signed:
ROLEN C. PAULINO
City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer
(On Leave)
NOEL Y. ATIENZA CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO

Temporary Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer City Councilor
TEODORO D. DEL ROSARIO BELLA P. ASUNCION

City Councilor City Councilor
MAREY BETH D. MARZAN ANGELINA B. ANDRADA

BRIAN PATRICK H. GORDON ANSELMO A. AQUINO

dovetail
EDWIN J. PIANO GINA G. PEREZ

NAPOLEON F. CAPISTRANO ROBINE ROSE C. BUENAFE
President, Liga ng mga Barangay SK Federation President
ATTEST:
ELFLIDA S. SALMON
Council Secretary
APPROVED BY HIS HONOR, THE CITY MAYOR ______________________.
JAMES GORDON, JR.

City Mayor
ATTEST:
DELFIN A. JUICO, JR.

Secretary to the City Mayor
Appendix J: Directory Of Resources For STI, HIV and AIDS
Organization Address and Contact Information Contact Person

AIDS Study Group and National Institutes of Health University of the Prof. Laufred I. Hernandez
Men’s Health Study Group Philippines, Manila Mobile: (0920) 953-2236
G/F NIH Building, Pedro Gil Street, Ermita Manila E-mail: laufred2000@yahoo.com
Tel: (02) 5247571
Action for Health Initiatives 162-A Sct. Fuentebella Ext., Brgy. Sacred Heart, Maria Lourdes S. Marin
(ACHIEVE) Q.C. Telefax: (02) 426-6147/ (02) 414-6130 Executive Director
AIDS Society of the Address: 2/F OTM Building, 71 Scout Tuazon St., Jose Narciso Melchor C. Sescon,
Philippines (ASP) South Triangle, Quezon City MD -President
Tel: (02) 376-2541/ 42 / 45
Fax: (02) 376-2546 / 410-0204
ALTERNATIVE LAW Address: 19 Ma. Elena St., Hayaville, Project 6, Atty. Gilda E. Guellermo
RESEARCH & Quezon City 1100 Executive Director
DEVELOPMENT CENTER, Telephone Number: (63)(2) 929-5489 / 455-1319
INC. (ALTERLAW)
AMERICAN CHAMBER Address: 4554 Casino cor Duvaner st., Brgy Ms. Nadia Carlos - Executive
FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES Palanan, Makati Director
INC. Telephone Number: (63)(2) 834-0184/ 551-8060
Fax Number: (63)(2) 834-1192
ASIA ACTS AGAINST Address: Rm. 224 LTM Bldg., Luzon Ave., Ms. Amihan Abueva
CHILD TRAFFICING (ASIA Quezon City Regional Coordinator
ACTS) Telephone Number: (632) 952-9982
Fax Number: (632) (632) 952-0280
CARITAS MANILA, INC Address: 2002 Jesus St., Pandacan, Manila 1011 Rev. Father Anton C.T. Pascual
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 563-9309 Executive Director
Fax Number: (63)(2) 563-9308
CATHOLIC RELIEF Address: CBCP Building, 470 Gen. Luna St., Ms. Milagros Lasquety
SERVICES (CRS) - USCC Intramuros, Manila 1002 Health Program Manager
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 527-8331 to 35
Fax Number: (63)(2) 527-4140
CENTER FOR Address: A7C Bldg. 570-A Padre Faura St., Prof. Nymia P. Simbulan -
MULTIDISCIPLINARY Ermita Manila 1000 President
STUDIES ON HEALTH AND Telephone Number: (63)(2) 526-9165 telefax Dr. Reynaldo H. Imperial
DEVELOPMENT(CEMSHAD) Executive Director
CHILDREN'S FUND, INC. Address: 8th Floor Strata 100 Bldg., Emerald Ms. Anna Maria Locsin
(CF) Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605 National Director
Fax Number: (63)(2) 631-2813
COMMUNITY AND FAMILY Address: 2/F Torres Bldg., 2442 Park Ave., Mr. Steven Muncy
SERVICES Pasay City 1300 Executive Director
INTERNATIONAL (CFSI) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 510-1043 (632) 510-
1040 / 46; Fax Number: (63)(2) 551-2225
CONTROL OF IV/AIDS/STD Address: U.P. Manila, College of Public Health Dr. Sandra Tempongko
PARTNERSHIP PROJECT Rm. 210M, 625 P. Gil St. Ermita, Manila 1000 Project Coordinator
IN ASIA REGION Telephone Number: (63)(2) 521-1390 telefax
(CHASPPAR)
DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT, Address: 9 Lalaine Bennet cor. Aurora Pijuan Ms. Senena G. Martinez
INC. (DEVCON) Sts., BF Resort, Las Piñas City 1704 Executive Director
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 871-0877 telefax
DKT PHILIPPINES, INC. Philippine Social Marketing Programs Mr. Terry L. Scott –
Address: Suite 801, The Linden Suites # 37 San Country Director
Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600 Dr. Carlos L. Calica-
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 687- 5567 NGO-GO Affairs
Fax Number: (63)(2) 631-1652
ENGENDERHEALTH Address: Unit 803 Diplomat Condominium, Dr. Loreto B. Roquero, Jr.
Roxas Blvd. Cor. Rusell Ave., Pasay City 1300 Country Program Manager
Fax Number: (63)(2) 832-31568
END CHILD Address: c/o ECPAT Ms. Dolores Alforte
PROSTITUTION, CHILD V. Luna Road Extension, Sikatuna Village , 1101 Executive Director
PORNOGRAPHY AND THE Quezon City
TRAFFICKING OF Telephone Number: (632) 925-2804
CHILDREN FOR SEXUAL Fax Number: (632) 433-1150
PURPOSES -
INTERNATIONAL YOUNG
PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION
PROJECT (ECPAT-ITPP)
FAMILY PLANNING Address: 50 Doña M. Hemady St., New Manila, Atty. Rhodora M. Roy-Raterta
ORGANIZATION OF THE Quezon City 1112 Executive Director
PHILIPPINES, INC. (FPOP) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 721-7101 / 722-6466
/ 721-7302; Fax Number: (63)(2) 721-4067
FOUNDATION FOR Address: 1037 R. Hidalgo St., Quiapo, Manila Ms. Cecilia C. Villa
ADOLESCENT Telephone Number: (63)(2) 734-1788 Executive Director
DEVELOPMENT, INC. (FAD)
FRIENDLYCARE Address: 710 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Ms. Leni V. Questa
FOUNDATION, INC. Telephone Number: (63)(2) 722-2968/ 722-2993 President
Fax Number: (63) (2) 718-2869
Website: www.friendlycare.com.ph
GABRIEL MEDICAL Address: c/o RONN Carmel Hospital, 115 M. Dr. Carolina Gabriel
ASSISTANCE GROUP Ponce St., Caloocan City 1400 Executive Director
(GMAG) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 363-2775 / 363-2789
GABRIELA National Address: 35 Sct. Delgado St., Bgy. Laging Ms. Jovita Mataro-Montes
Alliance of Women's Handa, Roxas District, Quezon City 1103 Director, Women's Rights
Organization in the Telephone Number: (63)(2) 371-2302 / 374-3451 Department
Philippines Fax number: (63)(2) 374-4423
GLOBAL ACTION FOR Address: 288 Unit Concepcion Apartment, Ms. Feliciana E. Eraldo
DEVELOPMENT (GAD) Concepcion St., San Joaquin, Pasig City 1600 CEO
Telephone number: (63)(2) 627-0001 telefax
GRASSROOTS WOMEN'S Address: 110 T. Jacinto St., 12th Avenue Ext. Ms. Emelita P. Salamanca
EMPOWERMENT CENTER, Caloocan City Executive Director
INC. Telephone number: (63)(2) 366-7479
Fax number: (63)(2) 928-1980 telefax
HARNESSING SELF- Address: Rm. 142, Alumni Center Magsaysay Ms. Maricris R. Valte
RELIANT INITIATIVES AND Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Executive Trustee
KNOWLEDGE, (HASIK) INC Quezon City 1101
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 925-2102 Ms. Mina T. Malabed
Fax Number: (63)(2) 925-6026 Manager Director
HEALTH ACTION Address: 26 Sampaguita Avenue Mayapa Village Dr. Edelina de la Paz
INFORMATION NETWORK II, Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City 1127 Executive Director
(HAIN) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 952-6312
Fax Number: (63)(2) 952-6409 telefax
HIV/AIDS NETWORK Address: 1066 Remedios cor. Singalong Sts., Ms. Ced Apilado
PHILS., INC. Malate, Manila 1004 Secretariat/Coordinating Council
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 524-4831/ 524-0924
Fax Number: (63)(2) 522-3431
IN TOUCH FOUNDATION, Address: 48 Mckinley St., Forbes Park, Makati Ms. Mala Lever
INC. Telephone Number: (63)(2)893-1893 / 893-7606 Executive Director
Fax Number: (63)(2)893-1892
INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL Address: Rm. 303 3/f 1589 Crispina Bldg. Ms. Florence M. Tadiar
STUDIES AND ACTION Quezon Ave., West Triangle, Quezon City 1101 CEO
(ISSA) Address: Quezon City Central P.O. Box 1078
Philippines Dr. Edwin Reuel A. Ylagan
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 410-1685 Exec. Director
INSTITUTE OF MATERNAL Address: 2/F Community Comprehensive Clinic Ms. Corazon M. Raymundo
AND CHILD HEALTH (IMCH) #13 Capitol Hill Drive Old Balara, Diliman, OIC
Quezon City
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 433-0960
Fax Number: (63)(2) 433-0930
KABABAIHAN LABAN SA Address: Gota de Leche Bldg. 859 S. H. Loyola Ms. Anna Leah Sarabia
KARAHASAN St., Sampaloc, Manila Director
(KALAKASAN) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 735-5555
FOUNDATION, INC. Fax Number: (63)(2) 735-8303
KABALIKAT NG Address: 93 Cambridge St. Cubao, Quezon City Ms. Marilyn Calilung
PAMILYANG PILIPINO, INC. Telephone Number: (63)(2) 832-1291 Executive Director
(KABALIKAT
KAPISANAN NG MGA Address: # 105 Sct. Rallos, Kamuning, Q.C. Ms. Ma. Fe Nicodemus
KAMAGANAK NG Telephone Number: (63)(2) 441-5008 Chairperson
MIGRANTENG Fax Number: (63)(2) 926-6928
MANGGAGAWANG
PILIPINO, INC. (KAKAMMPI)
LESBIAN ADVOCATES Address: #58-E Kamias Road, Quezon City 1102 Ma. Cristina "Ging" Cristobal
PHILIPPINES (LeAP!), Inc. Telephone Number: (63)(2) 426-9438 / (0918) Executive Director
9396235; Fax Number: (63)(2) 435-2019
LINANGAN NG Address: 92 Times St., West Triangle Homes, Dr. Junice Lirza D. Melgar
KABABAIHAN, INC. Quezon City 1104 Executive Director
(LIKHAAN) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 926-6230 Dr. Benito E. Molino
Fax Number: (63)(2) 411-3151 Coordinator, Clinical Services
LUNDUYAN PARA SA Address: 17-17A Casmer Apartment, Del Pilar Ms. Irene V. Fonacier-Fellizar
PAGPAPALAGANAP, corner Don Jose St. Bgy. San Roque, Cubao, President, CEO and Chief Mentor
PAGPAPATAGUYOD AT Quezon City 1109
PAGTATANGOL NG Telephone Number: (63)(2) 913-3464
KARAPATANG PAMBATA Fax Number: (63)(2) 911-7867
MGA KABABAIHAN PARA Address: 208 JM Templora St., Santulan 1478, Ms. Leah de Leon
SA TAO (MAKATAO) Malabon, M.Mla. Executive Director
FOUNDATION, INC. Telephone Number: (63)(2) 294-4852
MIGRANT FORUM IN ASIA Address: 9B Mayumi St. UP Village, Quezon City
(MFA) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 433-3508
Fax Number: (63)(2) 433-1292
NATIONAL COMMISSION Address: Rm. 3 2/F CNR Bldg II Taft Ave. cor Dr. Gloria S. Itchon
ON THE OPTIONS FOR Escoda St. Manila 1004 Chairperson
LIVING FOUNDATION Telephone Number: (63)(2) 521-0938
(O'LIVE)
PATH PHILIPPINES Address: 24th Floor Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Ms. Carmina Aquino
Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Vice- President/ CEO
Avenue, Makati City 1200
Fax Number: (63)(2) 845-3182
PASIG MEDICAL AND Address: 101 London St. Pasig Green Park Vill. Mr. Jesus Ermita
MATERNITY HOSPITAL GF Pasig Medical and Maternity Hospital Hospital Administrator
FOUNDATION, INC. Manggahan, Pasig City 1600 Dr. Estradella O. Ermital
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 646-1067 Medical Director
PEARL S. BUCK Address: 28-A Eugenio Lopez St., Bgy. South Ms. Ana Maria J. Locsin
INTERNATIONAL, INC. Triangle, Quezon City 1103 Country Director
Fax Number: (63)(2) 925-5961telefax
PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION Address: 25 Magiting St., Teachers Village, Mr. Oscar B. Escobar
FOR VOLUNTARY Diliman, Quezon City 1128 President
SURGICAL Telephone Number: (63)(2) 921-4108 cell: (0918)
CONTRACEPTION 840-2810 / (0918) 875-0876
PHILIPPINE BUSINESS FOR Address: Philippine Social Development Centre Mr. Gil T. Salazar
SOCIAL PROGRESS (PBSP) (PSDC) Building Magallanes cor. Real Sts., Executive Director
Intramuros, Manila
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 527-7741 to 50 loc
107; Fax Number: (63)(2) 527-3750 / 527-3751
PHILIPPINE COUNCIL OF Address: c/o Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Fr. Rocky Javier
NGO's AGAINST DRUG Inc.,937 P. Paredes St. Sampaloc, Manila President
AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE Telephone Number: (63)(2) 314-0241 Ms. Cheryl Rabanillo
(PHILCADSA) Fax Number: (63)(2) 735-1465 Executive Director
PHILIPPINE FEDERATION Address: # 67 A K-8 East Kamias, Quezon City Ms. Esperanza A. Dowling
FOR NATURAL FAMILY Telephone Number: (63)(2) 924-1323 Executive Director
PLANNING (PFNFP) Mr. Oscar B. Escobar
President
PHILIPPINE HEALTH Address: Rm. 138 Asian Social Institute Bldg., Prof. Fatima Alvarez-Castillo
SOCIAL SCIENCE 1518 Leon Guinto St. Malate, Manila 1000 National Program Coordinator
ASSOCIATION, INC. Telephone Number: (63)(2) 523-9392
(PHSSA)
PHILIPPINE HIV/AIDS NGO Address: 4/F VDNS Bldg. 59 B. Panay Ave. Mr. Roberto A.O. Nebrida
SUPPORT PROGRAM, INC. Quezon City Executive Director
(PHANSuP) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 376-2623 / 376-2624
PHILIPPINE LEGISLATORS' Address: Rm. 611 Northwing Bldg., House of Mr. Ramon San Pascual
COMMITTEE ON Representatives Batasan Complex, Quezon City Executive Director
POPULATION AND 1126; Extension Office: 25 B&C Matiyaga St.,
DEVELOPMENT (PLCPD) Central District Quezon City
Tel. Nos. (63)(2) 921-1044 / 925-1800 / 436-2373
Fax Number: (63)(2) 925-1800 loc. 108
PHILIPPINE MEDICAL Address: 70 V. Luna Rd. cor. Malakas St., Q.C. Dr. Esperanza Q. Dela Paz
WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION Telephone Number: (63)(2) 925-0191 President
Fax Number: (63)(2) 921-3947
PHILIPPINE MEDICAL Address: 70 V. Luna Rd. cor. Malakas St., Dr. Esperanza Q. Dela Paz
WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION Quezon City President
Fax Number: (63)(2) 921-3947
The PHILIPPINE NATIONAL Address: Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila 2803 Mrs. Jelma C. Dela Peña
RED CROSS (PNRC) Telephone Number: (632) 527-8384 to 90 Director of Operations
loc.125 or 155
Fax Number: (632) 527-0858 and 527-6353
PHILIPPINE NGO COUNCIL Address: Rm 304-305 3/F Diplomat Dr. Eden R. Divinagracia, PhD
ON POPULATION HEALTH Condominium Russel Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd. Executive Director
AND WELFARE, INC. Pasay City Ms. Chi Balledo
(PNGOC) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 852-1898 Deputy Director
PHILIPPINE RURAL Address: K56 Mother Ignacia cor., Dr. Lazcano Cong. Wigberto E. Tañada
RECONSTRUCTION sts. Quezon City 1103 President
MOVEMENT (PRRM) Telephone number: (63)(2) 372-4991/ 372-4992 / Dr. Jonathan Flavier
372- 4988 / 410-5235 / 415-5422 Community-Based Health
Fax Number: (63)(2) 372-4995 Specialist
PINOY PLUS Address: c/o Remedios AIDS Foundations, Inc. Mr. Eddy Razon
ASSOCIATION, INC. 1066 Remedios cor. Singalong Sts., Malate, President
Manila 1004 Mr. Jerico Paterno
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 524-0924/ 524-4507 Exec. Director
Fax Number: (63)(2) 524-3431
1805 P. Guevarra St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
POPULATION COUNCIL, Address: Unit 2A3 Monteverde Mansions, 85 Dr. Marilou Palabrica-Costello
MANILA Xavier St., Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila Host Country Advisor
1500 Tel. Number: (63)(2) 722-6886 / 725-7957 Dr. Ma. Cecilia S. Acuin
Fax Number: (63)(2) 721-2786 telefax Program Office
POSITIVE ACTION Address: 2613-2615 Dian St., Malate, Manila, Mr. Joshua Formentera
FOUNDATION Telephone Number: (63)(2) 404-2911 President
PHILIPPINES, INC. (PAFPI) Fax Number: (63)(2) 832-6239 Mr. Rodel Navarra
Executive Director
POPULATION SERVICES Address: 2015 Gil Puyat Ave., Pasay City 1300 Mr. Virgilio L. Pernito
PILIPINAS, INC. (PSPI) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 831-2876 Chief Executive and Programme
Fax Number: (63)(2) 804-0798 Director
PRECIOUS JEWELS Address: P.O. Box 3356 Metro Manila 1099 Ms. Lorraine Anderson
MINISTRY Telephone Number: (632) 309-9937 / 921-5860 Executive Director
telefax (Quezon City Office)
PRESS FOUNDATION OF Address: 3/F S & L Bldg., Roxas Blvd., Manila Mr. Juan L. Mercado
ASIA Telephone Number: (63)(2) 525-3265 / 523-3223 Editorial Director
Fax Number: (63)(2) 522-4365
REACHOUT FOUNDATION Adress: 2030 M. Adriatico st., Malate, Manila Mr. Jomar Fleras
INTERNATIONAL Telephone Number: (63)(2) 0917-8338499 President /CEO
REMEDIOS AIDS Address: 1066 Remedios cor. Singalong Sts., Maria Cecilia Añonuevo –
FOUNDATION, INC. (RAF) Malate, Manila 1004 Deputy Executive Director
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 524-0924 / 524-4831
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Address: College of Medicine, University of the Prof. Elizabeth Aguiling-
RIGHTS AND ETHICS Philippines; Medical Annex Bldg., 547 Pedro Gil Pangalangan
CENTER FOR STUDIES St., Ermita, Manila 1000 Head
AND TRAINING Telephone Number: (63)(2) 400-6658
(REPROCEN) - Social
Medicine Unit (SMU)
RESPONSIBLE Address: PCPD Bldg., Pasong Tamo Extension, Ms. Emma M. Magsino
PARENTHOOD MATERNAL Taguig 1270 Executive Director
AND CHILD HEALTH Telephone Number: (63)(2) 816-0175 telefax
ASSOCIATION OF THE
PHILS.
RODEL NAVAL Address: Blk. 2 lot 10 Laneville Subd., Cainta Maggie Ferrera
FOUNDATION (RONACO) Rizal (temporary); Tel.No.: (63)(2) 248 0606 Executive Director
Fax Number: (63)(2) 781 6741
http://www.members.rogers.com/~ronaco
SAMAHAN NG Address: Blk.13 Lot C 1-3 Maya-maya St., Phase Mr. Butch Ablir
MAMAMAYAN ZONE ONE 2 Area 2, Dagat-dagatan, Navotas Telephone
TONDO, INC. (ZOTO) Number: (63)(2) 258-0254 / 285-9957
Fax Number: (63)(2) 288-0370
SALVATION ARMY, INC. Address: 1414 L. Guinto Sr. St., Ermita, Manila Ms. Alma Villanueva-Acub, RN
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 524-0086 to 88 Coordinator, HIV/AIDS Program &
Fax Number: (63)(2) 521-6912 Integrated Mission
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 3/F William Hall, De La Salle Jesusa Marco, PhD –
RESEARCH INSTITUTE University Taft Avenue, Manila Director
(SDRC) Tel: (02) 524-4611 local 402
SOCIETY FOR THE Address: c/o PNGOC 38-A San Luis St., Pasay Dr. Virgilio R. Oblepias
ADVANCEMENT OF City 1300 President
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Telephone Number: (63)(2) 551-6285 Eden R. Divinagracia, PhD
Fax Number: (63)(2) 834-5008 telefax Secretary General
TAHANAN OUTREACH Address: 2589 Sta. Clara Syquia & Leyva Sts., Atty. Ester Sison-Cruz
PROJECTS AND SERVICES Sta. Ana, Manila 1009 Acting President
THE LIBRARY Address: 2001 M. Reyes St., Makati City Anastacio Marasigan
FOUNDATION (TLF) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 751-7047 Executive Director
THIRD WORLD MOVEMENT Address: 41 Rajah Matanda St., Project 4, Sr. Mary Soledad Perpiñan, RGS
AGAINST THE Quezon City 1109 Head/Coordinator
EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN Telephone Number: (63)(2) 913-9255 / 439-9119
Fax Number: (63)(2) 913-6435 (Good Shepherd)
TRADE UNION CONGRESS Address: TUCP-PGEA Compound, Elliptical Mr. Ariel B. Castro
OF THE PHILIPPINES Road, Quezon City 1101 Director for Education
(TUCP) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 924-7551/ 433-2208/
922-0917
Fax Number: (63)(2) 434-3704 / 433-2208
TRAINING RESEARCH Address: 58 San Gabriel St., Sta. Rita Village, Mr. Perfecto S. Uysingco
INFORMATION Sucat, Parañaque City 1711 Executive Director
DEVELOPMENT Telephone Number: (63)(2) 820-3285 (telefax)
SPECIALIST FOUNDATION,
INC. (TRI-DEV)
UNLAD KABAYAN Address: 59-B Malumanay st., Teachers Village Ms. Angela Villalba
MIGRANT SERVICES West, Quezon City Executive Director
FOUNDATION Telephone Number: (63)(2) 920-6950
Fax Number: (63)(2) 920-6880
UP CENTER FOR WOMEN'S Address: Magsaysay cor. Ylanan Sts., UP Ms. Carina C. David
STUDIES FOUNDATION, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Information Officer
INC. Telephone Number: (63)(2) 920-6950
WOMAN HEALTH Address: 129-A Matatag St., Barangay Central,
PHILIPPINES, INC. Quezon City 1100
Fax Number: (63)(2) 927-3317
WOMEN AND GENDER Address: Caritas Hall, Miriam College, Ms. Josefa Francisco
INSTITUTE (WAGI) Katipunan, Quezon City 1101 Executive Director
Telephone Number: (63)(2) 580-5400 loc. 350 Ms. Tesa De Vela
Fax Number: (63)(2) 435-9229 telefax Deputy Director
WOMEN'S CRISIS CENTER Address: 3F ER Trauma Extension, Annex Ms. Eden Bonahua - Parot
Bldg. Executive Director
East Avenue Medical Center, East Ave., Q.C.
Tel. No: (63)(2) 924-9315 (Admin.) / 926-7744
Fax Number: (63)(2) 924-9315 / 453-0305 telefax
WOMEN'S EDUCATION, Address: P.O. Box 2985 Quezon City Central Ms. Marlea P. Muñez
DEVELOPMENT, Post Office: NIA Road, Diliman, Quezon City Executive Director
PRODUCTIVITY, Telephone Number: (63)(2) 926-4876
RESEARCH & ADVOCACY Tele Fax Number: (63)(2) 421-4882 / 453-0305
ORGANIZATION
(WEDPRO), INC.
WOMEN'S FEATURE Address: Unit 612 Manila Astral Tower 1330 Taft Ms. Olivia H. Tripon
SERVICE PHILIPPINES, Ave. cor Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila 1000 President Phil. Bureau Chief
INC. (WFS) Telephone Number: (632) 525-9721 telefax
WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE Address: 1589 Quezon Ave., Quezon City 1104 Dr. Merlita U. Awit
FOUNDATION (WHCF) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 929-9494 / 929-9492 Executive Director
Fax Number: (63)(2) 924-0717 telefax Dr. Florence M. Tadiar
President
WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT Address: QC PO Box 1025, Quezon City, Ms. Virginia J. Pasalo
FOUNDATION Philippines Chairperson
WOMEN'S LEGAL BUREAU, Address: 11 Matimtiman St., Teacher's Village, Prof. Maureen C. Pagaduan
INC. (WLB) Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Executive Director
Fax Number: 921-4389
WOMEN'S LEGAL Address: 59 Mahabagin st., Teachers Village, Atty. Marla A. Barcenilla
EDUCATION, ADVOCACY Quezon City Executive Director
AND DEFENSE Telephone Number: (63)(2) 435-6823 / 436-6738
(WomenLEAD) Fax Number: (63)(2) 435-6823 telefax
WOMEN'S MEDIA CIRCLE Address: GOTA De Leche Bldg. 859 S.H. Loyola Ms. Anna Leah Sarabia
FOUNDATION, INC. St. Sampaloc, Manila Executive Director
(WoMEDIA) Telephone Number: (63)(2) 735-9687 Ms. Sinag De Leon-Amado
Fax Number: (63)(2) 735-8303 telefax Assistant Director for Projects
Appendix K: List of Accredited Laboratories for
HIV Testing in MetroManila
LOCATION ACCREDITED LABORATORY ADDRESS

CALOOCAN 1) CU-FDTMF HOSPITAL Samson road, Caloocan City
LAS PIÑAS 2) PERPETUAL HELP MEDIDAL CENTER Pamplona, Las Piñas
MANILA 3) MANILA DOCTORS HOSPITAL UN Avenue, Ermita
4) PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila
5) OUR LADY OF LOURDES HOSPITAL Sta Mesa, Manila
6) STO. THOMAS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL España, Manila
7) JOSE REYES MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila
8) MEDICAL CENTER MANILA 1122 Gen. Luna., Ermita, Manila
9) MARY CHILES HOSPITAL 667 Gastambide, Sampaloc, Manila
10) METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL 1375 Masangkay St., Sta Cruz, Manila
11) OSPITAL NG MAYNILA Pres. Quirino Ave., Malate, Manila
12) SAN LASARO HOSPITAL Quiricada St., Sta Cruz, Manila
13) HOSPITAL OF THE INFANT JESUS 1556 Laong-laan St., Sampaloc Manila
14) ST. JUDE HOSPITAL Dimasalang cor. D. Quijote, Sta Cruz, Mla.
15) THE FAMILY CLINIC AND HOSPITAL INST. 1474 Ma. Clara St., Sampaloc, Manila
16) REMEDIOS AIDS FOUNDATION 1066 Remedios cor. Singalong St.,
Malate, Manila
MAKATI 17) MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER 2 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati
City
18) ST. CLARE’S MEDICAL CENTER 1838 Dian St., Palanan Makati City
MANDALUYONG 19) THE MEDICAL CITY GENERAL HOSPITAL San Miquel Ave., Lourdes Rd.
Mandaluyong City
20) THE POLYMEDIC GENERAL HOSPITAL, INC.
MUNTINGLUPA 21) HILLSIDE GENERAL HOSPITAL West Service Rd., Alabang, Muntinlupa
22) RESEARCH INST. FOR TROPICAL MEDICINE FCC Alabang, Muntinlupa
(RITM)
23) MPI-MEDICAL CENTER MUNTINLUPA 338 National Rd., Pututan, Muntinlupa City
PARAÑAQUE 24) MEDICAL CENTER PARAÑAQUE Dr. Santos Ave., Sucat, Parañaque
PASAY 25) SAN JUAN DIOS HOSPITAL 2772-2774 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
26) MANILA SANITARIUM HOSPITAL 1975 Donada St., Pasay City
PASIG 27) RIZAL MEDICAL CENTER Shaw Blvd., Pasay City
28) STO. NIÑO DE SAN ANTONIO MATERNITY Bo. Dela Paz, Pasig City
AND GENERAL HOSPITAL
QUEZON CITY 29) LUNG CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES Quezon Avenue, Q.C
30) AFP MEDICAL CENTER V. Luna Road, Q.C.
31) UERM MEDICAL CENTER Aurora Blvd., Q.C.
32) ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd., Q.C.
33) PHILIPPINE HEART CENTER East Avenue Q.C.
34) PHILIPPINE ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL Maria Clara St. cor. Banawe Q.C
35) PHILIPPINE CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER Quezon Avenue, Q.C
36) NATIONAL KIDNEY AND TRANSPLANT East Avenue, Q.C. 6 N. Ramirez St.,
INSTITUTE Rotonda, Q.C.
37) UNITED DOCTOR’S MEDICAL CENTER 11 Banawe St., Q.C.
38) CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER PHIL., INC. North Avenue, Q.C.
39) VETERANS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER North Avenue, Q.C
40) CAPITOL MEDICAL CENTER Scout Magbanua St., Q.C
41) DE LOS SANTOS MEDICAL CENTER 201 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Q.C
42) QUEZON CITY GENERAL HOSPITAL Seminary Road EDSA, Q.C
43) QUEZON INSTITUTE CLINICAL LAB. E. Rodriguez Avenue, Q.C
44) PNP GENERAL HOSPITAL Camp Crame, Q.C.
45) NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL L16 E. Rodriguez Blvd., Q.C
LOCATION ACCREDITED LABORATORY ADDRESS
46) FEU-NRMF HOSPITAL Regalado St., Fairview, Q.C.
SAN JUAN 47) CARDINAL SANTOS MEDICAL CENTER Wilson St., Greenhills San Juan
VALENZUELA 48) FATIMA MEDICAL CENTER 120 Mac Arthur Highway Valenzuela
DIRECTORY OF MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS FOR HIV AND AIDS
San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) Quiricada St. Sta. Cruz, Manila

Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan-Abrenica
Tel: 743-3776- 8 local 206 ; Medical Specialist II/HACT Leader
309-9529/28 / 740-8301 loc Head, HIV/AIDS Pavilion
6000
Fax: 711- 4117
Email:
rtactacanabrenica@yahoo.com
Research Institute for Tropical Filinvest Corporate City Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco, MD
Medicine (RITM) Alabang, Muntinlupa City Research Chief
Fax: (02) 842- 2828
Tel: 526 1705 / 8072628/38
local 801/208
Fax: 842 2245
Philippine G eneral Hospital Taft Avenue, Manila
Dr. Dominga Gomez
(PGH) Tel: 5548400 SAGIP, PGH
Telefax: 5261705
STI and AIDS Central 309-9528 – 9 local 206

Cooperative Laboratory
(SACCL)
Appendix L: List of Treatment Hubs
Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional

Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC)
Hosp
San Fernando, La Union
Lacson St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Dr. Jeisela B. Gaerlan
Dr. Candido Alam
Medical Specialist II/HACT Leader
HACT Leader/Medical Specialist
Clinic: (072) 700-3808
Tel: (034) 435-1591; (034) 433-2697
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) Vicente Sotto, Sr. Memorial Medical Center
Baguio City (VSSMC)
Dr. Maria Lorena L. Santos B. Rodriguez St., Cebu City 6000
HACT Leader / Medical Officer II Dr. Maria Consuelo B. Malaga,
HACT Leader
Tel: (032) 253-7564; (032) 253-7564 / 9882
San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC)

Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila Evangelista St., 7000 Zamboanga City
Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan-Abrenica Dr. Jejunee Rivera
Medical Specialist II/HACT Leader HACT Leader/Medical Officer III
Head, HIV/AIDS Pavilion Tel: (062) 991-0573
Tel: 309-9529/28; 740-8301 loc 6000
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) Davao Medical Center (DMC)
Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City J.P. Laurel St., Bajada, 8000 Davao City
Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco, Head, HIV Research Unit Dr. Alicia Layug, HACT Leader
Tel: 5261705; 8072628/38 local 801/208; Tel: (081) 227-2731
Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Cagayan Valley Medical Center

Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila Tuguegarao City, Cagayn Valley
Dr. Jodor Lim / Ms. Dominga C. Gomez
HACT, SAGIP/ PGH
Telefax: 5261705
Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center
Legaspi City, Albay San Fernando, Pampanga
Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera
Chief of Hospital III
Tel: (052) 483-0016 / 483-0086 / 483-0017
Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) Or visit/inquire at:

Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, 5000 Iloilo City
Dr. Ray Celis Nearest Social Hygiene Clinics (Special STI Clinics);
HACT Leader/Medical Specialist III City/Municipal Health Offices NGO Partners at the local
Tel: (033) 321-2841 to 50 level

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United Nations

A Referral System for Care

Department of Social Welfare & Development

with assistance from the

 To Ms. Irene V. Fonacier-Fellizar and former DSWD Undersecretary Lourdes G.

 To the participants of the series of consultations, writeshops, and validation workshops

Part II. The Referral System........................................................................................20

AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Table 1. HIV Cases from 1984-20101

• Guilt and fear if children find out of her/his HIV status

• Limited access to PLHIV data

Section 3. Policy Framework

The United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Declaration of

 Confidentiality and Right to Privacy- refers to the management and handling of

 Empowerment – is the process of increasing personal, interpersonal, or political power

 Meaningful and Greater Involvement of PLHIV – refers to full participation of the

 Non-discrimination – refers to the equal treatment of an individual or group

 Rights-Based Approach- is a conceptual framework for human development. It

Section 5. Definition of Terms

 Coordinating Agency (CorA)– the agency/organization designated as a central focal

 High-Risk Behavior – refers to a person’s frequent involvement in certain activities

 Informed Consent – refers to the voluntary agreement of a person to undergo or be

 Reproductive Health - is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,

Section 6. Conceptual Framework

6.1. Continuum of Care (CoC)

6.3. The National Referral Mechanism

Obtain the highest quality care and treatment, assistance and

Burial assistance Meaningfully

Figure 3. The National Referral Mechanism

A referral system is a co-operative framework through which stakeholders fulfill their

7.1. The advantages of establishing a referral system are: 20

 Facilitate the provision of services to meet the various needs of the

 Establish a feedback mechanism between and among concerned agencies

 Make possible the exchange of knowledge, skills, practices and

 Access to effective services delivered expeditiously;

 Referrals between the agencies/organizations of the network are tracked;

 Referrals and their outcomes are documented;

 A feedback loop informs the agencies/organization of the organizations are

 Referrals and their outcomes are documented;

 A feedback loop informs the agencies/organization initiating the referring

7.2. Essential Elements of Referral System

There are certain essential elements to optimize the referral system’s

 To effectively address these needs, the network must include a broad

 Resolving access issues is essential to service delivery, and barriers to

 Referrals can go in both directions among agencies/organizations in

b. Coordinating Agency (CorA)- an agency that coordinates and oversees the

 A specific agency/organization or unit in the network serves as the

 It is responsible in convening regular meetings of social service

 A specific unit/focal person is designated to fulfill the tasks of the

 The designated person/focal person is responsible for the processing

 Any responsible staff member of the agency/organization may be

d. A Directory of Resources (services and agencies/organizations) at the

 A directory provides an inventory of services available within a

 A directory of services facilitates referrals by making it easy to get

e. A standardized referral forms

 A standardized referral forms to be used by the members of the

 The referring agency/organization should follow up with the receiving

f. A feedback loop to track referrals

 A system to track a referral is needed to ensure that the PLHIV used

To Ms. Irene V. Fonacier-Fellizar and former DSWD Undersecretary Lourdes G.

To the participants of the series of consultations, writeshops, and validation workshops

Confidentiality and Right to Privacy- refers to the management and handling of

Empowerment – is the process of increasing personal, interpersonal, or political power

Meaningful and Greater Involvement of PLHIV – refers to full participation of the

Non-discrimination – refers to the equal treatment of an individual or group

Rights-Based Approach- is a conceptual framework for human development. It

Coordinating Agency (CorA)– the agency/organization designated as a central focal

High-Risk Behavior – refers to a person’s frequent involvement in certain activities

Informed Consent – refers to the voluntary agreement of a person to undergo or be

Reproductive Health - is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,

Facilitate the provision of services to meet the various needs of the

Establish a feedback mechanism between and among concerned agencies

Make possible the exchange of knowledge, skills, practices and

Access to effective services delivered expeditiously;

Referrals between the agencies/organizations of the network are tracked;

Referrals and their outcomes are documented;

A feedback loop informs the agencies/organization of the organizations are

Referrals and their outcomes are documented;

A feedback loop informs the agencies/organization initiating the referring

To effectively address these needs, the network must include a broad

Resolving access issues is essential to service delivery, and barriers to

Referrals can go in both directions among agencies/organizations in

A specific agency/organization or unit in the network serves as the

It is responsible in convening regular meetings of social service

A specific unit/focal person is designated to fulfill the tasks of the

The designated person/focal person is responsible for the processing

Any responsible staff member of the agency/organization may be

A directory provides an inventory of services available within a

A directory of services facilitates referrals by making it easy to get

A standardized referral forms to be used by the members of the

The referring agency/organization should follow up with the receiving

A system to track a referral is needed to ensure that the PLHIV used

A written feedback must be done by the receiving

The referring and receiving agencies/organizations must both

A standardized referral registry is one way of documenting referrals.

The Head of the agency/convener shall identify the stakeholders

Invitees must come from different national and local government

The purpose/agenda of the meeting/workshop must be clear in the

The mapping exercise should identify community resources, services

More than one meeting/workshop may be held to review flow of

The members of the referral network need to define their working

In addition, they need to agree on their protocols and procedures,

A Protocol or a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with clear terms

The network’s activities must be periodically evaluated and

The Referral Network (RN) may advocate for the passage of an

The establishment of referral system needs the support and

Service providers particularly the case managers must vigorously

For an effective referral system, the members of the referral network

The referral network needs resources to assist the service providers in

To have an effective referral system, it is important to have tools

Public awareness about the referral network and services offered by

Community education and the tri-media maybe used for the

Ensure a successful referral and an effective case management through

Conduct case conferences with members of the multi-disciplinary team to

Conduct a gender sensitive interview to assess the specific needs of the

Discuss shared confidentiality with PLHIV and support him/her what

Document the referral in the agency’s Referral Registry (Form 4).

Update Directory of Resources (Form 5) as the need arises.

Assess periodically the achievement of the goals and make adjustment as