The official blog of The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, Inc. (TRR).

  • TRR LOVE FUND

    TRR Love Fund is the arm of the foundation which provides medical assistance to the financially challenged PLHIV.

  • Care assistance for HIV Test

    The Care Assistant Program involves assistance to HIV testing and HIV and AIDS Treatment hubs in the Philippines. Our volunteers schedule the client to the clinic or hub, assist with the procedure in the clinic or hub and conduct peer counseling

  • HOTLINE ASSISTANCE

    With the TRR Hotline Numbers, our volunteers answer concerns and inquiries about HIV and AIDS, do counselling, refers clients to nearest HIV Testing facility, HIV and AIDS Treatment Hub and government and NGO organizations for support

  • PEER COUNSELING

    The foundation volunteers conduct one-on-one counseling either on the phone or in person. They also conduct group counseling

  • SUPPORT GROUP TALK

    The support group talk (SGT) is a program that involves giving HIV lectures by guest speakers, discuss topics about HIV, care, treatment and support, discussion issues related to HIV

  • OUTREACH PROGRAM

    The foundation's outreach program is geared towards providing support to our fellow PLHIV's in the HIV and AIDS Treatment Hubs. Volunteers hand out of donations of medicines and special gifts to PLHIV, give inspirational talks by invited guests to a group of PLHIV, bonding over snacks or meal, visit the sick who are confined in the hospital

  • Referral System

    As part of treatment, the foundation's referral program involves our volunteers referring clients to specialized doctors who are HIV friendly. The foundation has it's own list of specialty doctors of low cost for the indigent PLHIV.

  • Online Support Group

    The foundation has a private Online Support Group in facebook. This group of advocates, supporters, counselors, health Workers and PLHIV

  • Home Health

    Aside from client counselling, the foundation volunteers also do family counselling and home visitation for awareness and continuance of care.

  • Health Fitness

    The foundation believes in holistic approach to treatment and care, thus inclusion of these programs: yoga, dance, swimming, jogging and running, boot camp workouts

  • EVENTS

    As part of awareness and education program, the foundation organizes its own national events to coincide with the international AIDS events: World AIDS Day and International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

134 Kids Enrolled Under Our Duyan Program

Project Red Ribbon has 134 children with HIV enrolled under the Duyan Program. These kids belong to different HIV and AIDS Treatment Hubs.


What is the Duyan Program?

Duyan Program: Saving Children with HIV and AIDS is a program of Project Red Ribbon which aims to provide care and support to children with HIV and AIDS in the Philippines. “Duyan” is a Tagalog noun which means “cradle” and Project Red Ribbon’s Duyan Program will cradle these children with HIV and AIDS with care, love and attention, to improve their quality of life until they once again are healthy, playing and going back to school. 


In the Philippines, the incidence of children being born with HIV continues to rise. With this increase, come with these issues: inadequate supply of pediatric antiretroviral medicines for HIV children, inadequate pediatric HIV care in treatment hubs, inaffordable laboratory tests and medicines for AIDS-related infections, blood transfusion needs and maintenance of health like milk formula, vaccinations, and diapers while in the hospital. Economically challenegd parents even have difficulties in taking their children with HIV to the hospital for regular check ups and refill of their kids antiretroviral medicines. Aside from that, stigma and discrimination compund the issue with parents being evicted from their homes and some children are abandoned when the mother or both parents die due to AIDS.

How can the Duyan Program help children with HIV and AIDS?

The Duyan Program will assist children with HIV and AIDS by:

  1. Providing indigent mothers and guardians with PhilHealth membership to extend the coverage of the Out-patient HIV and AIDS Treatment (OHAT) package to their children with HIV. This will enable the children access to:
      a. Baseline Laboratory tests
      b. Free consutation in government treatment hubs
      c. Access to pediatric antiretroviral medicines
      d. Hospitalization benefits

2. Assisting children with HIV for their medical needs:
     a. Laboratory tests for AIDS-related infections
‘    b. Medicines for AIDS-related infections
     c. Pediatric 3rd line - antiretroviral medicines
     d. Vaccinations
     e. Blood Transfusion
     f.  Other medical needs

3. Transportation fare to and from the treatment facility.
4. Courier of the children’s antiretroviral medicines to the 
    provincial homes
5. Maintenaining good health:
    a. Milk formula
    b. Diapers
    c. Children’s clothes and toys
    d. Vitamins
    e. Other medicines
6. Support Group activities through monthly activities where the kids can come to a venue where they can interact, play games and just have fun. Project Red Ribbon has engaged the children in play activities in parks, swimming pools, or in fast food places. After the activity, the Foundation give out gifts from our sponsors.

Project Red Ribbon’s Duyan Program helps children with HIV from newborn babies to 17 years old. To date, the Foundation has been assisting 134 children with HIV from different HIV and AIDS Treatment Hubs in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

For more information about the Duyan Program, please email Project Red Ribbon at contact@projectredribbon.org

Project Red Ribbon at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital

This week, Project Red Ribbon visited the HIV and AIDS Treatment Hub in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. It is in Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital. It is located along Lacson Street, near the Capitol Plaza.

Going there is not that hard. The hub is located at the second floor of the main hospital, almost near the back of the hospital. It was discreetly located. I had to even ask a few guards where it was located.

I came in and was greeted by the staff of the hub. They were friendly and I asked if there are issues of clients in the hub, issues pertaining to confidentiality, of ARV supply and of PhilHealth. The staff said that they have no issues however, some of their clients don't want to be seen by their doctors there so they are referred to private doctors. Their posters are still the old ones so I asked if they have received the Project Red Ribbon new posters or if they have received the World AIDS Day shirt that we had distributed to all hubs and Regional DOH offices. The staff said that they have not received anything. Anyway, I said that we could send them some posters.

Project Red Ribbon applauds the efforts of all partners in the advocacy. We applaud the HACT Team of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital for catering to more than 600 people living with HIV. We hope to visit again soon.










Project Red Ribbon at Clinic 1276



Project Red Ribbon's partner Clinic 1276 at St. Luke's BGC now provides free HIV screening. Last week the Foundation provided a free HIV Screening Training to its staff. 

Sex Compulsives Anonymous


Sex Compulsives Anonymous
Stay Sexually Sober!

Every Saturday, 5pm
Project Red Ribbon Care Office
Unit 401 Lumiere Suites
#21 General Capinpin St.,
Barangay San Antonio,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City



Is There Such A Thing as Sex Addiction?

Do you find yourself having sex with people you don't like, nor attracted to just for the sake of having sex? 
Do you feel unable to control your sexual behavior? Can't or having a hard time stopping? Preoccupied with getting a sexual dil most of the time?
Does your sexual behavior negatively affect your work, your relationships with your spouse, partner, family, friends, etc?
Does your sexual behavior pose some harm to others and to your physical and emotional well being?
Are you in a relationship with or chasing after people who are physically and emotionally abusive or unavailable?
Then our group might help sort things out:
Sexual Compulsives Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from sexual compulsion [sexual addiction]. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop having compulsive sex. There are no dues or fees for SCA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. SCA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sexually sober and to help others to achieve sexual sobriety. Members are encouraged to develop their own sexual recovery plan, and to define sexual sobriety for themselves. We are not here to repress our God-given sexuality, but to learn how to express it in ways that will not make unreasonable demands on our time and energy, place us in legal jeopardy -- or endanger our mental, physical or spiritual health.
SCA is a 12-Step fellowship, inclusive of all sexual orientations, open to anyone with a desire to recover from sexual compulsion. We are not group therapy, but a spiritual program that provides a safe environment for working on problems of sexual addiction and sexual sobriety.

There will be a new group meeting at office of The Project Red Ribbon every Saturday starting March 3, at 5:00PM. The first meeting is a discussion of sexual compulsion/addiction and how the fellowship could help those who struggling with it. The meeting is confidential, and attendees will remain "anonymous." 

Saturday, February 24, 2018

A Test of Courage


My phone started vibrating while I was watching "The Post" at Megamall. I rejected it like what I usually do when I am busy. But it kept on vibrating, like a dog barking at a door that needed to be opened, like a child who started crying needing to be pacified immediately. 

I excused myself from my partner and went out. I answered my phone.

"Sorry to bother you. I just am just so worried," said this crackling voice from the other line. 
"It's ok. It seems it is very urgent," I said. "What can I do for you?"
" I am Carl and I am worried that I may have HIV. I think I am going to hurt myself if I have it. I really don't know what to do," he said.

I felt the pain and confusion from his voice that I told him that I can meet him once I am done with the movie. I told him that I can meet him that night, to talk to him and have him screened for HIV. I assured him that everything will be confidential and we can do the HIV screening anywhere that is convenient for him.

Carl, somehow felt relieved with what I told him but the sense of urgency can be felt from his voice. He had this thin young voice, perhaps he is around 20 years old, I assumed.

His call committed myself to help him out, to have him screened and counsel him. I know that this call is not just about a call for help but a call to save another life again. 

We scheduled to meet that night at Centerpoint in Sta. Mesa, Manila, around 45 minute-drive from my place. I know I had to meet him. Who can resist to help someone who is willing to be helped, who is willing to be counseled, who told me that he just got my number from a friend who I previously have screened for HIV and that I can help him with his agony.

After the movie, I drove my partner home, got my HIV Screening bag and went straight to our meeting place. True to what I thought, Carl was 21 years old, around 5'4" in height and was wearing a light jacket and jeans. He seemed to have come from work as he was wearing a lanyard, with a familiar BPO name on it. I looked at his troubled eyes and reached out with my hand to shake his. His hand was cold, perhaps from the agony he was feeling, or maybe because he was nervous to meet me. 

We looked for a place and went to Starbucks at the very corner of the coffee shop where we can talk privately.

"I am worried as I had unprotected sex with a friend a year ago. I have heard that he died of AIDS two weeks ago," said Carl. He started sobbing. He started trembling. The agony that I felt from his voice when I talked to him over the phone became a physical pain. He was really in pain. I felt it. It reached my heart.

I patted his left shoulder, to make him feel that I am there and I am with him. He lifted his head and looked at me, his eyes weld with tears. I smiled gently. Looked at him and I said that everything will be fine. With a soft voice I told him that we need to get him screened for HIV and I can do it right there. He nodded, a definite sign of agreement.

I reached out for my HIV screening bag, laid out discreetly the things that I needed for the screening and explained the procedure. Nobody was around us or near us. I pricked his finger and did the screening. His hand was trembling as I set aside the HIV test kit and waited for the result. I asked him for some information while waiting for the 15 minute result.

As part of the screening, I asked for a brief information to get his UIC Code for documentation. I also asked for some information for risk assessment. He said his last unprotected sex was six months ago. I told him that whatever the result would be would be, will definitely determine his HIV status.

Carl then started to talk.

Carl said that he met this guy from a gay app. He said that he was a good looking lad, almost his age. They went straight to Sogo Hotel and had sex. He said it was around midnight and they didn't use any condom. 

For 2 weeks, they met and had one more sexual encounter. He said that he was expecting a relationship but the guy just disappeared. He was still texting him but he never replied anymore. There were times that he would see him on the gay app again but he ignored his messages. Months later he found out that he was dating a guy that he knew. He never messaged him again. Two weeks ago, from a common friend, he learned that he died of AIDS. He was shocked and from the time that he heard it, he said that he couldn't sleep anymore. He was thinking that he too will die because he may have HIV too.

I started counselling him. Talked to him about HIV and AIDS. Gently giving him information on how it is transmitted, telling him about the myths on HIV transmission, on condom use, on HIV management and treatment. I assured him that even if will have HIV, he can live a normal and productive life. Of course I know he was still confused when I talked to him but, I made him feel that I will be there for him.

My alarm from my watch nudged me that it was time for the result. One line. I showed him. Still confused, he asked me again what it meant. I said he was non- reactive to the HIV screening. Suddenly his hands covered his face and started sobbing. 

I knew what he was feeling. I have met people who thought that they have HIV because of previous unprotected sexual encounters, then after the HIV screening, were relieved that they didn't get HIV. Only the HIV test will determine if one has HIV or not. I always tell people that.

Carl's face glowed after wiping his tears. It was really a sign of joy. It was like he was magically put on a white cloud. I smiled and once again patted his shoulder.

"I am proud of you Carl for taking the initiative to call me and to get screened. You are such a courageous person," I told him.

Carl thanked me repeatedly as he said that he still couldn't believe the result. I assured him that it is final and he didn't have HIV. I told him that what is important now is to use condoms all the time and make it available every time. It is best to be responsible now for himself and learn from that experience. I gave him some sample condoms that I have in my bag. I told him that he can now sleep.

After a quick hug, he left. I sat there watching him walk away. His walk was different from the time I first met him. Now, he was walking calmly. He was at peace.

Carl was courageous. He faced his fear head on. Though he was scared and troubled, he stepped forward and made the greatest decision of his life. To take the HIV Test.

I smiled and stood up and drove home.














Vaccination Program

As part of the Care Program of Project Red Ribbon, we conducted our free pneumococcal vaccination at the TRR Care Office this afternoon. Many thanks to our donors and volunteers who made this possible. Special thanks to our mommy from the South who facilitated the program.

The Vaccination Program of the Foundation is done once a month. For schedule announcements, please visit the blog. 






Need assistance?
Want to take the FREE HIV Screening?
Want to talk to someone?
Looking for a support group?
Want to volunteer?

TRR HIV Hotline Numbers 


02-56-7297
0906-404-3412
0949-124-9845
0917-908-1546
0926-750-1672                      

TRR CARE OFFICE

OPEN DAILY
 10AM TO 12 Midnight

Address:
Unit 401 Lumiere Suites
#21 General Capinpin St.
Barangay San Antonio,
Ortigas Center, Pasig

If you want to join a private HIV support group in Facebook, please add Katherine Pierce, Bi Santo, Danica Oliveros and request to be added in the group. We have a lot of PLHIV, counselors, HIV doctors, advocates and supporters who you can talk to.


"Spreading Compassion"

-Project Red Ribbon-



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




HIV Awareness Forum at St. Luke's Medical Center, Q.C.

The Project Red Ribbon's HIV awareness forum together with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines in St. Luke's College of Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center in E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City.







FREE HIV Screening at Clinic 1276


Project Red Ribbon's partner private HIV and AIDS Treatment hub is now offering free HIV Screening.

Clinic 1276
Room 1276, 12th Floor, Main Hospital
St. Luke's Global City
Taguig City
0939-937-3182





Need assistance?
Want to take the FREE HIV Screening?
Want to talk to someone?
Looking for a support group?
Want to volunteer?

TRR HIV Hotline Numbers 


02-56-7297
0906-404-3412
0949-124-9845
0917-908-1546
0926-750-1672                      

TRR CARE OFFICE

OPEN DAILY
 10AM TO 12 Midnight

Address:
Unit 401 Lumiere Suites
#21 General Capinpin St.
Barangay San Antonio,
Ortigas Center, Pasig

If you want to join a private HIV support group in Facebook, please add Katherine Pierce, Bi Santo, Danica Oliveros and request to be added in the group. We have a lot of PLHIV, counselors, HIV doctors, advocates and supporters who you can talk to.


"Spreading Compassion"

-Project Red Ribbon-



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







Project Red Ribbon Training at St. Luke's Medical Center Q.C.


The Training Team of The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation Inc. will be in St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City together with The National Council of Churches in the Philippines today for Enhancing Capacity for Peer Counseling and for Driving an Anti - Discrimination Campaign on HIV/AIDS and Training for Outreach HIV Screening.

Take the FREE HIV Screening. We are open 24/7


Friday, February 23, 2018

Press Release: Project Red Ribbon Goes Global!


Another Life Saved!



“I have my ARV’s. Big thanks to your help. I really appreciate it.”

That was the text that I received from Pablo this afternoon as I was having my late afternoon snack. 

“Suddenly, I am smiling while driving. I feel that I have a weapon to fight this,” he added.

This made my day.

Pablo is one of the guys who recently took the HIV screening. He said that he and a close friend of mine, Raul, talked about him getting screened for HIV. He told me that he somehow sensed that he may be infected and without hesitation agreed to the screening. Raul, soon called me and asked for an HIV test kit for him to screen Pablo. Knowing that Raul has been trained for the screening, I provided him with what he needed.

Two days later, Raul called me and told me that Pablo turned out to be reactive for HIV. He asked me where he should refer him and I gave him all the options. I told Raul any friend of his will also be my friend, thus,I will personally assist Pablo to the HIV and AIDS Treatment Hub of his choice. I told Raul that Pablo needed to take the HIV test as the confirmatory result is needed for enrollment in the hub. Raul, knowing the lab tests needed, told me that he will ask Pablo to do all the lab tests, including the CD4 test so that when he goes to the hub, he is ready for the prescription of all his meds.

got a buzz, a day later and Pablo was on the other line. I sensed that he was eager to talk to me. I bet he was really eager to get treatment as I told him that I will meet him as soon as he was done with all the baseline laboratory tests that he needed. He said that he would be busy for the week but he might be able to squeeze in some time for his labs to be done during the weekend. It was a polite conversation. I felt optimism coming from him, from the way he talked to me that afternoon. We said our goodbyes and told him that I will personally assist him and he can call me anytime if he needs someone to talk to.

It was sooner that I thought. Pablo called me two days later and told me that he was ready to go to the HIV and AIDS Treatment hub and all his labs were done. He chose to be enrolled in a private hub as he was concerned about confidentiality. I told him that Project Red Ribbon has a private partner hub and that he doesn’t need to worry about confidentiality. To make sure that he would feel comfortable, I told him that I would meet him there and introduce him to the staff.

I met Pablo at 10am at the lobby of the hospital. He donned a neatly tucked polo shirt and nicely pressed slacks. I just looked around and he was smiling at me. Maybe he already saw my photo on facebook, thanks to Raul. I approached him and we shook hands. He said that he was glad that he was there finally so that he can start dealing with the disease. I told him that with his predisposition, that he will do great. He said that Raul already started to counsel him, like what most friends will do, saying that he will be fine, that he can live a long, productive life. I smiled at him and said that being with me that afternoon, that being there in the hospital is an affirmation of a half won battle, already.

While waiting for the elevator, I told him about the HIV and AIDS Treatment hub. I told him that we are their partner and assured him that everything is confidential. I felt his trust with the words that blurted from my mouth. I felt that his throbbing heart and confused mind were pacified with every single word that I said about the entire process of treatment, about the antiretroviral meds, about the doctor he would see, about the laboratory tests that he needed to undergo every year. I smiled as we entered the elevator knowing that have I have him. I have him and I am the lucky guy to be guiding him as he opens the door, his new pathway to his health and to life.

The hub had no signs. No banners whatsoever. It was just a door with a room number. There was a piece of paper with just a schedule. That was it. I looked at Pablo and pointed that out.

“This is why I brought you here. This hub is excellent with privacy,” I told him.

I knocked and as soon as we entered, we were greeted with the sincerest smiles. I introduced Pablo to the staff and Jonel, the nurse, guided Pablo to the cubicle for interview. 

I can hear mumbling sounds from outside but when the divider opened, I stood up and asked if I can come in. Sitting in front of Raul, I comforted him and assured him that we are in one of the best hubs in the country. I told him about their practice of making their clients feel comfortable, of how he won’t have to worry about confidentiality. I told him all the wisdom that I could muster. My every strand of fiber vibrated with assurance. He relaxed and became at ease. My heart jumped for joy.

A few calls later, Jonel scheduled him for appointment with their doctor. He was scheduled at 1pm so Pablo asked me to join him for lunch. I wanted to say no, but I needed to make him feel that I am a friend, and I guess it was a polite way to do. Also, it made him feel that I was there for him and that it was the least that he can do for me. Though I said he didn’t have to as it my job to help however, he said I spent time to help him out, knowing my busy schedule being the president of a Foundation.

We became comfortable with another during lunch. He said that his worries started to dwindle. Of course, I said, that it won’t disappear that fast, though his optimism can overcome all of those. He chuckled that he already by-passed the stages of grief and went straight to acceptance. That put another smile in my heart.

We left the nook and went straight to the doctor’s clinic. He was relaxed. He was at ease. I didn't feel any tension. He exuded with renewed confidence that only I can fathom from what I sensed from him. The secretary smiled at us and as Pablo registered, I told him that I needed to leave for a meeting. He hugged me as we said our farewells, and he promised to update me after his consultation with the doctor.

I drove home. Quietly. I texted Raul and told him that Pablo will be having his consultation and that he is doing great.

At 2:27pm, I received his text.

“I have my ARV’s. Big thanks to your help. I really appreciate it.”

That was the text that I received from Pablo this afternoon as I was having my afternoon snack. 

“Suddenly, I am smiling while driving. I feel that I have a weapon to fight this,” he added.

This made my day.


A tear left my eye.




Need assistance?
Want to take the FREE HIV Screening?
Want to talk to someone?
Looking for a support group?
Want to volunteer?

TRR HIV Hotline Numbers 


02-56-7297
0906-404-3412
0949-124-9845
0917-908-1546
0926-750-1672                      

TRR CARE OFFICE

OPEN DAILY
 10AM TO 12 Midnight

Address:
Unit 401 Lumiere Suites
#21 General Capinpin St.
Barangay San Antonio,
Ortigas Center, Pasig

If you want to join a private HIV support group in Facebook, please add Katherine Pierce, Bi Santo, Danica Oliveros and request to be added in the group. We have a lot of PLHIV, counselors, HIV doctors, advocates and supporters who you can talk to.


"Spreading Compassion"

-Project Red Ribbon-



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