Saturday, May 23, 2015
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Today is the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015
The Philippines: Our Situation
The Philippines unlike the rest of the world, still belongs to a handful of countries where HIV cases are still on the rise. In the last HIV and AIDS Registry of the Department of Health - National Epidemiology Center (DOH-NEC), a record breaking 667 new HIV cases were reported. This means that 22 new HIV cases are being diagnosed every day. For 30 years, since 1984, there were 1,167 Filipinos who died of AIDS.
However, the numbers are still very small, compared to the other killer diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, thus most agencies turn a blind eye. Most don't think that HIV here is still not a public concern.
HIV in the Philippines is hard to diagnose in the Philippines. The reasons are myriad.
One, stigma and discrimination are so strong in a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines. Religion was a strong barrier during the talks about the Reproductive Health Law thus it took years for it to pass although there was a great need for it. Condom use is not promoted publicly, in media and advertisements. Even the Department of Health (DOH) was attacked viciously by different organizations when it campaigned for the use of condom. Sex, condom use and HIV and AIDS are briefly discussed in schools. HIV testing and HIV Treatment are also hounded by stigma and discrimination. Because of the publicized increase of HIV cases among the males having sex with males (MSM) population, which comprise around 86% of the total HIV cases every month, it poses a barrier for individuals to go to the clinics and get tested for fear of sexual typecasting and promiscuity. Although enacted for implementation by the Department of Labor and Employment in the 90's, only a few companies have HIV in the Workplace Policy, the reason for which is that most companies don't want to discuss the topic of HIV and AIDS in their companies and don't want to include the HIV Test and AIDS Treatment to be covered by their insurance.
Second, there are only a few DOH accredited testing centers in the country. For a 100 million population, the Philippines only has a little more than 100 DOH accredited testing facilities all over the Phiilippines. There are testing centers that offer free testing, however for private clinics, the cost for an HIV test would range from Php500 to Php1,500 ($11 to $35). Also in all there regions of the Philippines, HIV treatment is only provided in 19 HIV and AIDS Treatment hubs, thus people are scared to get tested for fear that there is not enough facilities to help them.
Third, for the longest time, the Department of Health has been pushing for the Department of Education to include HIV and AIDS in the curriculum in grade school and high school for education and awareness. For a country with a literacy rate of 97.5%, meaning almost all go to primary school, it is very important that HIV and AIDS be discussed, especially the HIV test to these school goers. The cases are no on an alarming rate among the 15-24 year old range and yet, the Philippine government is not being aggressive it its move to promote HIV testing, awareness and prevention in its educational system.
The National HIV Testing Week 2015
Last February 2015, Secretary of Health Janette Garin approved the 1st National HIV Testing Week (NHTW) which ran from May 11 to May 15 nationwide which will culminate in the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 17, 2015. It is a bold move to promote HIV testing nationwide.
The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, Inc. (TRR), as the communications arm of the DOH in partnership with the National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program launched the program in a DOH press release last May 6, 2015 in the DOH Press Center. TRR also launched its poster and social media campaign, "HIV is EVERYBODY'S Concern" to engage the public in the campaign to promote HIv testing, education and awareness. In May 8, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - AIDS Research Group (RITM-ARG) launched its TV advertisement in two major TV companies.
The Quezon City Health Office on May 11, 2015 launched the NHTW with a motorcade of partners and the local government units (LGU) around the Quezon Memorial Circle which culminated in one big event at the Liwasang Aurora.
TRR and RITM-ARG representing the DOH had a Press Conference in Iloilo Social Hygiene Clinic in May 12, 2015. Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, had their own press conferences all through the week. During the week, organizations like The Love Yourself (TLY), RITM and Pinoy Plus came on live TV and Radio to talk about the NHTW.
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) 2015
The National HIV Testing Week as signed by the Health Secretary culminates to the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 which will be held today, May 17, 2015.
TRR in partnership with the Department of Health with major sponsors, the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFar), Treat Asia, Metro Society Magazine, the QC Government and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine will be holding the IACM 2015 Philippines today at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle from 2pm to 9pm. Highlights of the event include the Solidarity March, the Candlelight Memorial Ceremonies, the Commitment Ceremonies and the Solidarity Concert. Guest list includes the heads of programs of the Department of Health, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista leading the Candlelight Memorial, representative of the U.S. Embassy, leaders of different organizations, TV and movie personalities who will be giving messages about HIV and AIDS and performances.
IACM and the International Day Against Homphobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) 2015 Philippines
TRR for the very first time will be holding the IDAHOT 2015 Philippines, another international event as part of the initial program of the IACM. Aligning with the issues surrounding stigma and discrimination, TRR combines the HIV and AIDS Organizations, the LGBTI groups and the general public in one big event to raise awareness and educate the public about the issues of the country about stigma and discrimination, leading to violence and the spread of HIV and AIDS deaths.
For the big event, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) will hold an ecumenical service, followed by IDAHOT messages from various leaders of participating organizations. Flags, banners and the rainbow flag symbolizing LGBTI will be waved and marched during the Solidarity March. All participating LGBTI groups will be recognized with the logos viewed on the LED screen on stage. The U.S. Embassy Representative will also give a message of support to the LGBTI programs of the Philippines. There will be performances on stage by the different LGBT organizations. The Solidarity March lead by a marching band and the TRR and Philippine Flag will combine all HIV and AIDS Groups, the LGBTI and participating groups, companies and schools.
The IDAHOT 2015 Philippines part of the IACM is organized by the TRR partner, Task Force Pride.
Deliver Your Message!
The IACM and IDAHOT 2015 Philippines is the venue to voice out your concerns and to share a message nationwide and worldwide.
1. COMMITMENT BANNER
Sign the NHTW-IACM-IDAHOT Commitment Banner near the Registration Booth to show commitment to the HIV and AIDS Programs and LGBTI Human Rights programs. This Commitment Banner will be marched every World AIDS Day, NHTW, IACM and IADAHOT every year to remind everybody of their commitment.
2. PLACARDS
Bring your placards and signs of messages for all the world to see. There will be media in the event and the TRR documenters and photographers will also have real time photos and videos of the event which will be put online in different social media platforms. The Audience is encouraged to take pictures with the fansigns, banners and flags with the hashtag: #trrIACMph and #trrIDAHOTph
3. PHOTOBOOTH
The event has an official photobooth wherein participants can not only pose for a photo but also hold a fansign to deliver their messages. The photos in the booth will be sent online for everyone to tag themseves and their friends for all the world to see.
4. ATTEND
Come and be counted. By attending and participating, all our voices will be heard. Come in colorful outfits, umbrellas, balloons, candles, ribbons, fans to show solidarity. Make sure to bring towels, extra shirt, water bottles and snacks as the event is long.
5. TALK ON STAGE
If you have a message to deliver, coordinate with the event organizers. The event is for everyone but we have to consider that the programme is full packed.
6. LIGHT A CANDLE
Show solidarity as we all light a candle for all the victims of stigma and discrimination and all those who died because of AIDS. Feel the emotion to strengthen our passion for the advocacy, for all our programs.
7. SHOW SUPPORT
For those who can't attend pls deliver a message online with the hashtag: #trrIACMph and #trrIDAHOTph
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Press Release
For the first time, The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, Inc. (TRR) will be holding two international events tomorrow, May 17, 2015 at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle starting at 2pm: the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2015 Philippines (IDAHOT) and the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 Philippines (IACM).
IDAHOT is celebrated in more than 130 countries, for LGBTI organizations to draw the attention of policy makers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally.
IACM is not just a memorial but it serves as community mobilization campaign to raise social consciousness about HIV and AIDS. With 33 million people living with HIV today, the IACM serves as an important intervention for global solidarity , breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations.
Below is the Press Release of TRR.
TRR IDAHOT-IACM 2015 Philippines
The EVENT:
1. FREE and open to the public.
2. Registration starts at 2pm
3. FREE TRR shirts to the first 100 registrants.
4. FREE lootbags to the first 500 registrants
The VENUE:
Liwasang Aurora is the stage near the fountain. The easiest route to the stage is the North Avenue Entrance. The registration table is on the left side facing the stage.
What to BRING:
1. Bottled water
2. Candles
3. snacks
4. Umbrella
5. Fans
6. Towel or handkerchief
7. Banners
8. Placards
9. Fansigns
10.Flags
11. Flashlights
Wave your flags and carry your banners!
All LGBTI and HIV and AIDS groups, schools, church organizations, heath care providers, policy makers and companies are invited to join the SOLIDARITY MARCH to raise awareness about our fight against stigma, discrimination and HIV and AIDS. Let the world know our cause, our advocacies and our struggles here in the Philippines by joining the march.
Deliver your Message!
Let your voices be heard!
The Liwasang Aurora with 9X11 LED Screen stage is set for leaders of organizations to deliver their messages.
The Photobooth will run from 3pm to 6pm for everyone to deliver a strong message internationally through social media.
The Commemoration Banner will show your commitment. All past commitment banners from the previous years will be marched during the Solidarity March.
Deliver your messages through your placards, signs and flags.
Let the Flame of the Candle Honor Those who Passed Before Us!
Light a candle to show solidarity in commemorating those who died because of stigma, discrimination and HIV and AIDS. 1,167 candles will be lit for those who died of AIDS around the TRR Red Ribbon.
Friday, May 15, 2015
3 Days Before IACM Philippines 2015
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3 Days to go before the Big Event!
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, an international event which is commemorated every 3rd Sunday of the May every year is an event of solidarity together with the international communities, organizations, governments and civil societies. However, it is not just a commemoration of those who passed on because of AIDS, but it is venue where the community, the government and the different organizations come together and make a stand against the spread of HIV and AIDS, against stigma and discrimination.
This year, the Project Red Ribbon (TRR), will once again host the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 Philippines on May 17, 2015 in Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle starting at 2 pm. This is the culminating event of the National HIV Testing Week, a project of the Department of Health. With the theme of "HIV is EVERYBODY'S Concern", the event wants to empower all Filipinos to take part in the programs of HIV and AIDS. The increasing new cases of HIV and the increasing numbers of deaths because of AIDS need to send a message to everyone that it is now a public concern and that it is now a concern of everybody.
TRR would like to acknowledge the outflowing support on social media from TV and movie personalities like Rocco Nacino, Enzo Padilla, Lance Raymundo, Angel Aquino, Luis Manzano, Inigo Pascual, Daniel Padilla, Regine Tolentino, Lander Vera Perez, Jonalyn Viray, KZ Tandingan, John Lapuz, Aljur Abrenica, Christian Bables, Rica Paras, Rachel Alejandro to mention few of the supporters.
Organizers would also like to thank the Department of Health- National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program, the Office of the Mayor of Quezon City, Hon. Herbert Bautista, American Foundation of AIDS Research, TreatAsia, Metro Society Magazine, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine-AIDS Research Group and Task Force Pride for supporting the event.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Last 4 Days Before the Big Event of May!
The Call to Action: "HIV is EVERYBODY'S Concern", the theme of the National HIV Testing Week 2015 and the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Philippines 2015 is only 4 days away! The culminating event will be held on May 17, 2015 with FREE registration starting at 2pm at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City, Philippines.
The Project Red Ribbon (TRR), the communications partner of the Department of Health for its HIV and AIDS Program, together with the National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program has been campaigning nationwide through its posters, social media campaigns and press conferences during the National HIV Testing Week which started last May 11 and will end on May 15, a weeklong initiative to destigmatize people through awareness and education about HIV and AIDS.
The TRR-DOH partnership started its campaign last May 6 during a Press Conference at the DOH Compound in Tayuman, Manila. The TV advertisement was then aired on May 8, 2015 in ABS-CBN and GMA 7, with DOH Secretary Janette Garin encouraging everybody to get tested. The TRR-DOH posters were distributed nationwide. The outstretched arm with clenched fist is not only a call for everyone to get tested but also a call to stand up and make a firm commitment and action for the fight against the spread of HIV in the Philippines.
In May 11, a motorcade which culminated to an event in Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle was spearheaded by the Quezon City Health Office and was attended by different local government units and non government partners. This marked the start of the NHTW 2015. During the entire day, different organizations, LGU's, clinics started their FREE HIV tests nationwide. Different organizations all over the country gave interviews and were featured in newspapers and TV.
In May 12, a Press Conference was held in Iloilo Social Hygiene Clinic by TRR-DOH spearheaded by TRR President and Dr. Rossana Ditangco, the head of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine-AIDS Research Group (RITM-ARG). Also interviewed by the press were Dr. Ray Celis, the HACT Director of the Western Visayas Medical Center, Roberto Chin Jr. of DOH-Iloilo, Dr. Odette of the Iloilo City Health Office and Tomasito A.S. of TRR. During this time, the TRR-DOH Posters had been posted in different HIV and AIDS Treatment Hubs, clinics, schools, offices nationwide.
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 and International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2015
This coming May 17, 2015, the NHTW will culminate in the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) 2015 Philippines. This event which will be held in Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle will start opening its FREE registration at 2pm.
Coinciding with the IACM on the same date, TRR will also celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) and is included in the program of the IACM 2015. Discrimination and stigma are a challenge to the HIV and AIDS programs thus, these two great events combined will make the entire week very powerful.
After the commemoration, there is a FREE AIDS CONCERT.
The Call to Action is only 4 Days Away
We are all inviting everyone and all government, non-government organizations, companies and schools to join the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 Philippines on May 17, 2015 at Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle, and be part of this National Call to Action Campaign. This is a FREE event. Registration opens at 2pm.
Please bring bottles of water, banners, flags, red ribbon, candles, flashlights, whistles, bells as we show to the whole world that the Philippines is unitied in the fight against the spread of HIV in the country.
This event is a TRR-DOH initiative with these partners: Office of the Quezon City Mayor, American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFar), TreatAsia, Metro Society Magazine, RITM-ARG, Task Force Pride.
Backgrounder
TRR has been conducting these HIV and AIDS Events since 2013. Yearly, TRR has been celebrating and commemorating the World AID Day (WAD) and the IACM. During its last event, the WAD 2014, it was attended by more that 1,500 participants.
Want to partner with us and support the advocacy in the coming events? Please email us at contact@projectredribbon.org.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Take the FREE HIV Test Now
The Project Red Ribbon has a complete listing of the HIV Testing Centers NATIONWIDE. Please call the Hotline Numbers to know the HIV Test Clinics nearest you.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
National HIV Testing Week and International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 Formal Launch
Today, May 6, 2015, the Department of Health (DOH) will formally launch the National HIV Testing Week and the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 at the Press Conference Room of the DOH in DOH Compound in Tayuman, Manila at 11am.
The first National HIV Testing Week has been approved in February 2015 under a department order by Health Secretary Janette P. Garin. Underscoring the importance of this program, the health secretary said. "Mahalagang malaman ang iyong HIV status, kung ito'y positibo o negatibo. Hindi ka nag-iisa sa laban na ito. Narito ang Department of Health para tulungan ka, para sa kapakanan ng Pamilyang Pilipino."
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 will be conducted by several groups all over the country. It is scheduled yearly on the 3rd Sunday of May. The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, Inc. (TRR) will be holding its yearly commemoration on May 17, 2015 at the Liwasang Aurora, QC Memorial Circle from 4pm to 9pm.
TRR has the official list of the 100+ HIV Testing Centers nationwide. Please call our hotline numbers to get tested during the National HIV Testing Week.
QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS?
WANT TO GET TESTED?
CALL US!
TRR HIV Hotline Numbers
0919-642-9286
0977-131-2046
0906-389-2402
0917-899-0473
0927-823-0300
0917-932-3122
0916-216-2066
"We act FAST when we CARE"
-Pozziepinoy-
Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST??
Check this link:
If you have comments or questions, please click this link:
© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012
Credits:
Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Saturday, May 2, 2015
A CALL TO ACTION
The official TRR-DOH Poster is out. The outstretched arm and
clenched fist signify solidarity to rally against the spread of HIV in the
Philippines.
The cases of HIV and deaths because of AIDS are STILL increasing
and this is a CALL for action for the entire Philippines. We can't deal with
HIV with just talking. We can't deal with HIV with all these meetings which are
slow in making an impact.We can't educate everyone with just a few HIV talks, a
few barangays, a few companies or schools a week. WE NEED TO ACT AND ACT
AGGRESSIVELY. WE NEED TO DELIVER A NATIONAL MESSAGE that will make an impact to
the entire nation and will reach ALL FILIPINOS.
We Filipinos can do it. We make the impossible possible. We
crushed a dictatorship with PEOPLE POWER. With all Filipinos working together,
we can withstand TYPHOONS, EARTHQUAKES and other calamities. We can ALL RALLY
against HIV and AIDS. We can get it to ZERO New cases, ZERO Discrimination and
ZERO STIGMA if we all MASKE IT HAPPEN.
The "HIV is EVERYBODY'S CONCERN is the slogan of TRR-DOH
which has been approved by Usec. Vicente Belizario of DOH. This slogan will be
used for both the NHTW and IACM and will be used for promoting all campaigns of
TRR-DOH for the next three months.
Under the department order of the Department of Health, the
National HIV Testing Week will run from May 11-15 and will culminate in the
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 17, 2015. TRR and DOH will have
a press conference and an HIV Testing Caravan which we will be posting the
schedules soon. TRR-DOH will hold the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
at Liwasang Aurora, QC Memorial Circle on May 17 from 4pm to 9pm.
HOW CAN YOU JOIN?
1. If you want to join and help in this NATIONAL CAMPAIGN,
please email us at contact@projectredribbon so we can send you the high
resolution of this poster for distribution, use and posting in your companies,
school, organizations, clinics and LGU. We need all filipinos from LUZON,
VISAYAS, MINDANAO to participate.
2. When posting the poster in social media, please use the
hashtag#hiviseverybodysconcern for all the world to see that you are
participating and supporting this national campaign.
3. Feel free to post this poster in your FB groups, your HIV
Testing clinics and n your treatment hubs. We have also physical posters for
distribution if you need for posting in your offices and building.
4. Post on FB a SELFIE or GROUPIE with the OUTRETCHED ARM AND
CLENCHED FIST and put a hashtag #hiviseverybodysconcern
5. Get Tested in any of the HIV Testing sites from May 11-15,
2015. See the testing sites at www.projectredribbon.org.
6. Attend the IACM 2015 on May 17 at Liwasang Aurora, QC
Memorial Circle from 4pm to 9m.
ATTN: ALL HIV Testing Sites, ALL HIV and AIDS Treatment Hubs,
ALL Media Companies, ALL HIV and AIDS Organizations both in government and
NGO's, ALL Local Government Units, Department of Health (Philippines),
Department of Education, ALL HEALTH Organizations. All Schools both public and
private, ALL companies and orghanizations, ALL LGBT Organzations, ALL
International Companies, Multinational Companies, ALL Embassies, ALL Hospitals,
ALL Celebrities, Politicians, Public servants, ALL FILIPINOS.
#hiviseverybodysconcern
QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS?
WANT TO GET TESTED?
CALL US!
TRR HIV Hotline Numbers
0919-642-9286
0977-131-2046
0906-389-2402
0917-899-0473
0927-823-0300
0917-932-3122
0916-216-2066
"We
act FAST when we CARE"
-Pozziepinoy-
Want
to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST??
Check
this link:
If
you have comments or questions, please click this link:
©
Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012
Credits:
Tags: HIV
Manila, HIV
Philippines, AIDS
Manila, AIDS
Philippines, HIV/AIDS
Manila, HIV/AIDS
Philippines
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