Eastern Visayas Media Without Bordersby Miriam G.Desacada
Tacloban City–The Civil Service Commission has directed all government agencies should establish and implement their respective Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS) workplace policies.
This was directed yesterday by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as it issued the Enhanced Guidelines in the Implementation of Workplace Policy and Education Program on HIV and AIDS in the Public Sector through CSC Resolution No. 2500398 promulgated on 23 May 2025.
The guidelines prescribe measures which agencies may undertake such as education and awareness-raising on HIV and AIDS, provision of support and/or access to information on HIV and AIDS-related services, promotion of a safe work environment through occupational health and safety standards and fostering confidentiality and non-discriminatory practices against persons living with HIVand AIDS.
Government agencies are also encouraged to coordinate with the Department of Health and the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) to ensure that employees have access to information on HIV and AIDS including related services such as prevention, care, treatment, testing, and counseling for persons living with HIV.
Agencies must also uphold data privacy by ensuring the confidentiality of employees’ medical records and information, in compliance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The new policy covers all government employees, regardless of appointment status, in all branches and agencies of the government, including national government agencies, local government units, state colleges and universities, and government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters. Agencies’ initiatives on HIV-AIDS prevention and control shall be reported to the PNAC annually.
