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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH reminds public to practice safe sex this Valentine's Day

DOH reminds public to practice safe sex this Valentine's Day

Published Feb 12, 2026 04:38 pm
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
Just days before Valentine’s Day, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a Valentine’s Day reminder urging the public to practice safe sex and use protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
In a Facebook post titled “DOH Valentine’s Day Reminder #2,” the agency emphasized the importance of protection, particularly for those who are dating or not yet married.
“Kung nasa dating stage pa lang o hindi pa kasal, pinakamabuti ang paggamit ng proteksyon sa pakikipagtalik (If you are still in the dating stage or not yet married, it is best to use protection during sexual activity),” the DOH said on Thursday, Feb. 12.
The health department stressed that trust alone is not enough when it comes to sexual health.
“Hindi sapat ang tiwala lang pagdating sa sex – dapat may assurance ka rin pagdating sa proteksyon laban sa sexually transmitted infections gaya ng HIV (Trust alone is not enough when it comes to sex – you must also have assurance when it comes to protection against sexually transmitted infections such as HIV),” it added.
The DOH encouraged individuals to be proactive in safeguarding their health, noting that preventive tools are available for free.
“Maging proactive: libre lang makukuha ang combination prevention tulad ng condoms, lubricants, at pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) para masiguro ang proteksyon mula sa HIV kung makikipagtalik (Be proactive: combination prevention such as condoms, lubricants, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be obtained for free to ensure protection from HIV if engaging in sexual activity),” the department said.
Per the World Health Organization (WHO), condoms are safe and highly effective in preventing most sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and unintended pregnancies when used correctly and consistently.
“Condoms are safe, inexpensive and widely available,” it noted.
Meanwhile, the WHO said pre-exposure prophylaxis or “PrEP” refers to the use of antiretroviral medication by HIV-negative individuals to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

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