Gazini Ganados Champions HIV Advocacy

Miss Universe 2019 Gazini Ganados, together with community-based organization LoveYourself, Inc. and the City Government of Talisay, champions the HIV advocacy in Cebu during an outreach program last October 12 at the People’s Hall of Talisay City Hall.

The beauty queen, Ganados, headlines the HIV awareness and prevention forum, and the free HIV screening for the said event. The outreach was also in cooperation with Youth for Better Talisay, and Talisay City LGBT Bangaw Federation. During the event, Ganados was also unveiled as the newest ambassador of LoveYourself, adding the cause to her initial “elderly care” advocacy.

“I looked forward to this date. My team and I have been coordinating with LoveYourself for months now on our plans to initiate HIV awareness campaigns for Cebuanos. I feel that this is relevant and timely, because the incidence rate is still rising in the province. As a Cebuana with this kind of platform, I think it’s prudent to help educate my kababayans to protect and love themselves more, and to break the stigma on HIV and other health illnesses,” Ganados shared.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Alan Bucao expressed his joy and gratitude to LoveYourself for trusting the City Government to be their partner.

“I am so happy that LoveYourself has given their trust in us, the City of Talisay and Talisay City LGBT Bangaw, in extending their advocacy on HIV awareness and prevention. I am looking forward to a more fruitful partnership with LoveYourself and Bangaw in this worthy cause,” Bucao said.

Ganados is now the new face of LoveYourself in Cebu for various HIV awareness campaigns and programs. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also strongly supports LoveYourself.

The latest data from the Department of Health -Epidemiology Bureau (DOH-EB) shows that the Philippines now poses 35 cases of HIV a day. Central Visayas is ranked 4th highest in the number of HIV cases since the epidemic broke in the 1980s.

LoveYourself, Inc. is a community-based organization that offers a free and holistic care approach to HIV. Aside from the White House, it has six operating community centers in the Greater Manila Area, namely Anglo in Mandaluyong, Uni and Victoria in Pasay, Welcome in the City of Manila, Lily in Parañaque, and Hero in Bacoor City in Cavite. (MLC)