AIDS in the Philippines has a conservative estimate of about 10,000 Filipinos. The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed that on February of 2007, AIDS carriers have reached 2,765 positive cases of which 21 cases are from Davao City.

It is believed that the reported cases represent only a fraction of the actual case in the country and across regions with the evidence of high risk situations and practices which can indicate that an increasing AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) victims are still hiding with much fear of public rejection.

On May 20, 2007 marked the 24th Commemoration and Mobilization of the World's largest Annual Community Based AIDS Awareness and Prevention Activity, with its International Theme "Leading the way to a World without AIDS".

Councilor Baura, as one of the stakeholders, together with the City Health Office and ORCHIDS (Organization of Committed HIV/AIDS Advocates) and the ALAGAD ng MINDANAO health networks, dynamically shared all their efforts in making the ceremony very successful at the New Christ the King Cathedral. A mass was offered in memory of our brothers and sisters who died of AIDS, followed by a special candle lighting ceremony joined by the community.

Everyone enthusiastically wore red ribbon and disseminated AIDS handouts as part of their advocacy and campaign. Other than the government agencies, the campaign calls on all sectors of society such as families, communities and civil society organizations - to take the initiative and provide leadership on AIDS awareness.

Meanwhile, Hon. Baura, committee chair on women, is very affirmative that a proposed enactment of City Ordinance on Prevention and Control of STI, HIV, and AIDS in Tagum City will soon be realized with the help of the City Council and Dr. Myrna L. Gazmen, City Health Officer, as one of the front liners in dealing with these cases in partnership with the different Government Organizations and Non-Government Organizations.

AIDS recognized no territorial, social, political, and economic boundaries. No cure has been discovered yet, but the gravity of threat demands an immediate strong action now and in the future.

Thus, a strong and serious call for AIDS education must be taken with a concrete action right now and then.