PSA: Taguig Has Free Testing and Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections

(SPOT.ph) Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can feel awkward or even unnecessary to think about, which is probably why many people delay it until they absolutely have to. But this is not something we can afford to stay in the dark about, especially when testing and treatment are available to us at no cost.

In Taguig, free testing, counseling, and treatment for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B are available on weekdays through its Social Hygiene Clinic and Drop-In Center. The service is strictly confidential, too, so those who want to get tested can seek care without worrying about their privacy.

The service is offered at two locations in the city. The Taguig Social Hygiene Drop-In Center is located in the OMT Building at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital along East Service Road in Western Bicutan. It is open from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no cut-off time. Those who want to inquire may call 0929-302-8855 or 0975-265-7466.

You can also visit the Social Hygiene Clinic at the City Health Office Building in T&D Village, Ramirez Street, Barangay Tuktukan. It is open from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a 3:45 p.m. cut-off. The clinic may be reached at 0960-508-1732.

Testing is not only for people who are sexually active right now. It can also be part of routine health care, especially if you have never been tested before, are pregnant, or simply want to be sure.

Although HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B are often discussed in the context of sex, that is not the only way they can spread. HIV and hepatitis B may also be transmitted through blood, such as through shared needles, or other exposure to infected blood. Hepatitis B can also be passed from mother to child during birth, while syphilis can be passed to a baby during pregnancy if left untreated.

Also read: I Got Tested for HIV—Here's What the Experience Was Like

HIV is usually what comes to mind first when people talk about STI testing—and the numbers explain why. The Philippines recorded 4,277 new HIV cases from October to December 2025, or an average of 47 new diagnoses per day, according to the Department of Health’s (DOH) latest surveillance report. The National Capital Region recorded the highest number of cases at 21% of the total.

UNAIDS and the World Health Organization have previously said the Philippines has the fastest-growing number of HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region, with an estimated 252,800 Filipinos living with HIV in 2025.

But the concern is not limited to HIV. Hepatitis B is also widespread in the country, with global data estimating that chronic hepatitis B prevalence in the Philippines at 4.9% in 2022 or, more alarmingly, about one in 20 people. Meanwhile, syphilis is included in routine screening for pregnant women and other at-risk groups because many infections may go unnoticed.

Don't wait until it's too late to know if you're part of the count.

Also read: HIV Self-Testing Kits Are Free in QC, Here's How to Get One