Baybayin-Inspired Condom Boxes Unveiled for Int’l Condom Day

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Family Planning Organization of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter (FPOP-Iloilo) and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) launched a new series of Baybayin-inspired condom packaging on Feb. 13 to mark International Condom Day (ICD).

The initiative aims to promote safe sex practices and encourage condom use, particularly among the youth.

Designed by visual artist Ian Lucero, the special packaging incorporates Filipino terms and Baybayin art to make condoms more relatable and culturally relevant.

During a Feb. 14 media briefing, AHF Philippines Country Program Manager Dr. Ryan C. Guinaran introduced the Iloilo City edition featuring the word “Pagmamahal” (Love)—a nod to the city’s moniker as the “City of Love.”

“HIV and STI cases are increasing, and we are seeing a trend among those aged 15 to 34. We need youth-friendly ways to make condoms a viable option, which is why we released these new condom boxes,” Guinaran said.

“This is one of our small efforts to normalize condom use as an essential part of safer sex education,” he added.

The Iloilo edition follows other releases in AHF partner cities, including:

• “Kaalaman” (Knowledge) – Baguio City
• “Proteksyon” (Protection) – Caloocan City
• “Ligaya” (Joy) – Bacolod City

Now operating in 48 countries, AHF is a global nonprofit that provides HIV/AIDS medical care and advocates for safer sex education. It launched International Condom Day in 2009 to raise awareness of HIV prevention and reproductive health.

FPOP-Iloilo Chapter Program Manager Mona Liza S. Diones, RMT, expressed concern over the rising number of HIV and STI cases recorded at their facility.

“In just our facility alone, we recorded last year around 600 cases of gonorrhea, more than 700 cases of chlamydia, and another 700 cases of hepatitis B,” Diones said.

She stressed the importance of early testing and treatment.

“I am urging people to know their status and get tested. Some symptoms appear late, so early detection is crucial for timely medical intervention,” she emphasized.

AHF PH Program Officer Neoman R. Roxas acknowledged that HIV and condom use remain sensitive topics in the Philippines but underscored the need to remove the stigma.

“This is something that people don’t openly talk about, and that’s part of the problem,” Roxas said.

By making condoms more accessible and integrating youthful and cultural elements into their design, AHF and FPOP hope to make safe sex and HIV prevention conversations more engaging and socially acceptable.

The Baybayin-designed condom boxes will be officially released in March.