One Drink, Less Protection? Baguio Official links alcohol to lower condom use among youth

BAGUIO CITY — Alcohol consumption may reduce condom use among sexually active young people, adding to the challenges faced by the City Health Services Office (CHSO) in preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a city health official said.

CHSO Medical Officer IV Dr. Clement Bilalat said condom use could drop by about 10 percentage points when alcohol is involved, compared with an estimated 40% to 50% usage rate when alcohol is not consumed.

Bilalat also cited limited access to condoms as another factor behind the minimal increase in their use, based on the CHSO’s recent inventory reported by the Baguio Public Information Office on October 6, 2026.

The inventory showed a slight increase in condom use following the implementation of the Namnama Clinic at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center in April. The initiative aims to address the city’s rising HIV and STI cases.

Earlier data from the CHSO showed that Baguio recorded 812 HIV cases from January to March 2026, with most cases involving people aged 15 to 34, according to a previous Guru Press report.

The Department of Health estimates that around 1,300 people in Baguio may be living with HIV, suggesting that about 500 infections may remain undiagnosed.

Bilalat said the city is working to improve access to condoms through health centers, private clinics and the Namnama Clinic.

He encouraged sexually active young people, particularly those who consume alcohol, to use available protection to help prevent STIs and unintended teenage pregnancies.

Bilalat also said reducing alcohol consumption among young people could potentially increase condom use and help lower STI transmission and teenage pregnancies.