Newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo has raised her voice in support of stronger sexual health education in light of the growing HIV crisis among young Filipinos.
In a Facebook post, Manalo echoed the Department of Health’s (DOH) call to declare HIV a National Public Health Emergency following reports of a staggering 500% increase in HIV cases among the Filipino youth in recent years.
“As a beauty queen and an advocate for youth empowerment, I cannot stay silent in the face of a crisis that affects the very heart of our future,” Manalo said. “The 500% rise in HIV cases among Filipino youth is more than just a statistic — it is a call to action.”
The 26-year-old beauty queen emphasized that this surge reflects more than a public health issue—it highlights a crucial gap in the education system.
“This dramatic increase reflects a lack of access to accurate, compassionate, and age-appropriate sexual health education,” she noted.
Manalo clarified that proper education is not about promoting risky behavior, but about helping young people make informed and responsible decisions.
“Proper education is not about encouraging recklessness — it’s about equipping young people with the truth, the tools, and the confidence to make informed choices about their health and well-being.”
She ended her message with a powerful call for unity and empathy: “Education is empowerment — and empowered youth can change the world. Let us rise together, not in fear, but in knowledge, compassion, and responsibility.”
The DOH has previously cited the need for urgent government action, as new HIV infections continue to rise rapidly, particularly among the youth sector.
