PGLU HOLDS 1ST HIV/AIDS CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY
By: Renerose A. Beninsig Photo By: GPC-PHO Date: May 7, 2019
HIV/AIDS AWARENESS. Participants of the first Provincial Government of La Union Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Candle Lighting Ceremony light candles at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union on May 7, 2019 to advocate and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. The activity was also done to commemorate loved ones who have lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS.
The Provincial Government of La Union throught the Provincial Health Office (PHO) spearheaded the 1st PGLU HIV/ AIDS Candle Lighting Ceremony with the theme “Intensifying the Fight for Health and Rights” held at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union on May 2019. This activity aims to increase public awareness especially those that belong to the “Most At Risk Population (MARP).”
The program started with the Parade of Colors wherein the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) Coordinators from different municipalities and city, together with their SK representatives, LGBTQ delegates, and the IPLUS (Ilocos, Pangasinan, La Union Society) advocacy group and PHO staff entered the hall with their mantra yell. To formally open the program, Dr. Hector Beñas gave his welcome remarks and encouraged the participants to spread the information that they learned in the activity.
“Know your status. We are encouraging everyone especially those who belong to the most at risk population to have themselves tested and screened. That’s the only way you can do in order to catch and diagnose these cases so we can advise them and we can give treatment so we can delay the progress of the disease,” Dr. Beñas said.
The statement “Know Your Status” entails HIV testing that is essential to expand treatment and ensure that people living with HIV lead to healthy and productive lives.
“We should be catalysts of spreading love, especially to the persons living with HIV/AIDS because it is through our love and attention that we give them hope, because indeed, there’s a shining and glorious life ahead of them,” said Gov. Pacoy duly represented by Executive Assistant Justo Orros III.
The program continued with a lecture and demonstration from the DOH-Regional I HIV/AIDS Coordinator and sharing of testimonies from People Living with HIV (PLHIV) of IPLUS. Simultaneous activities were offered like Free HIV Screening (done by Medical Technologists who are HIV Proficient); Free Massage by ABONO Party List; and distribution of educational materials and selling of HIV/AIDS T-shirts to interested participants and employees of the PGLU. Proceeds of the T-shirt will be given to IPLUS Advocacy Group.
An anti-smoking lecture was also delivered by Rainier Repollo from the Civil Service Commission, encouraging attendees to be aware of the existing laws and policies.
The candle lighting took place in the afternoon where participants assembled in the hall carrying candles while singing an inspirational song. This activity provides opportunity to commemorate loved ones who have lost their lives to HIV, show solidarity, share awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination and give hope to new generations.
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