Breaking Stigma: Baguio boy publishes HIV Book for children

Baguio City, Philippines – Amid rising Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in the Cordillera region, an Igorot author from Baguio has published the region’s first child-friendly book on HIV awareness, aiming to protect young people from misinformation, reduce stigma, and address the growing risk the virus poses to youth, who remain among the most vulnerable.

While no official records confirm the claim, Paul Brian Tulioc Baldoza, an award-winning film director, journalist, and advocate, recently published a book titled “S.A.F.E. Guardians”. The Baguio City Public Library recognized him as the author of what is considered the first child-friendly storybook on HIV in the region, and possibly in the country.

The acronym S.A.F.E. stands for Support, Awareness, and Fight the Epidemic. Designed for children aged 10 and above, the book introduces HIV education in an engaging, age-appropriate, and easy-to-understand way.

The Child-Friendly HIV Awareness Book

Like traditional superhero stories, the book follows three heroes from Bayan ng Pulang Pag-asa: Kapitan Condom, Wonder Testing, and Super PrEP. These characters, inspired by Baldoza’s childhood, are committed to protecting their community and promoting safety. The heroes face antagonists Hiya (shame), Takot (fear), and Kamangmangan (ignorance).

According to local media reports, the book was tested in schools during its soft launch, with support from the Department of Health – Central Luzon Center for Health Development and the Regional HIV Program, to gather feedback and make final revisions before publication.

What Is HIV?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, which can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if untreated. It spreads through certain body fluids, but not through casual contact.

Early HIV may show mild symptoms, but advanced stages can cause serious illnesses. While incurable, HIV can be controlled with daily antiretroviral therapy (ART), which must be taken consistently to prevent drug resistance.

HIV in the Cordillera Region

The Department of Health – CAR (DOH-CAR) reported via PIA-CAR that the region has recorded a total of 1,355 HIV cases since 1984, including 71 deaths, equivalent to a 5-percent case fatality rate, with four deaths reported in 2025.

For 2025, Cordillera recorded 16 new confirmed cases in June, a 27-percent drop from the 22 cases reported in June 2024.

Baguio City accounts for the majority of new HIV cases in the region (56%), followed by Abra (21%), Benguet (13%), and Mountain Province (6%). Most infections occur in males aged 15–34.

Transmission is predominantly male-to-male sex (59%), followed by men having sex with both genders (22%), and male-to-female sex (16%). A small number of cases involve mother-to-child transmission, blood transfusion, and injection drug use.

Empowering Youth Through Education

With the publication of S.A.F.E. Guardians, the youth are expected to gain a better understanding of HIV, its risks, and the importance of prevention—empowering them to make safer choices, reduce stigma, and contribute to a healthier community.