Capitol Marks World Aids Day with Awareness Advocacy, Candle Lighting
Raising awareness about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/Aids) and remembering those who lost their lives to the condition highlighted the “Beat HIV/AIDS: Know Your Status” program held at the Capitol last Monday, Dec. 3.
The activity was organized by the Provincial Youth Commission (PYC), in partnership with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in celebration of the World Aids Day 2018.
Youth leaders and advocates throughout the province gathered at the Capitol’s Dignitaries Hall as they listened to the inputs given by the resource speakers, namely, Keannu Arnoco of AIDvocates and Kenneth Samaco of the World Health Organization–Philippines. The speakers presented the overview of HIV/AIDS and the latest data of the cases of HIV/Aids in Cebu Province, respectively.
A free HIV screening simultaneously took place outside the Social Hall, which was facilitated by the PHO.
After the plenary session, the attendees gathered for the Aids memorial and candlelight ceremony, which served as the event’s culminating activity.
Visayan Pop Music (Vispop) competition champions Jerika Teodorico and Lourdes Maglinte also performed during the event.
PYC executive director Charlton James B. Canoy thanked the youth leaders, advocates, performers, partners and organizers for holding the successful event.
Canoy pointed out the importance of getting tested for the virus and supporting the advocacy to eliminate the stigma against people living with HIV/Aids.
Canoy also challenged the attendees to help in the campaign on HIV/Aids awareness among the youth in Cebu Province. (CONTRIBUTED BY PYC)
