Fernando's dream was to work in Manila. He was a college student but because of his dream, his parents sold their carabao so that he can work in Manila, and have a place to stay until he can send some money to help his siblings.
A few months later, he was diagnosed with HIV. Because he got scared that his employer would find out because at that time, for you to get the PhilHealth benefits for HIV, you need to get the CF1 form from your HR. Because of this, he quit his job. He also didn't tell his family about what happened.
Project Red Ribbon found him in the streets. He was able to contact our Care Manager so we looked for him. He had no place to stay and already with AIDS-related infections. We placed him in a shelter and volunteers brought him food. We enrolled him to a hub. Unfortunately, because of his infections and his will to live already ate him upon, he died.
There are so many stories about people at work with HIV. Here is the story of Ronald who didn't apply anymore for work because he was asked for an HIV test. Another story is that of Marie who got bullied as soon as her manager found out that she had HIV which she got from her OFW husband. Worse is that she passed it to her unborn child. She was talked about as someone who was promiscuous and having multiple sex and was rumoured that she got it from having sex with multiple men. She committed suicide. Another story is that of Tony who because he has HIV, the company doctor required him not to work for a month as he might spread it to others, and he needs clearance from his hub doctor.
These are the many stories of people who were employed and have HIV. Stories of discrimination, stories of stigma, stories of people who didn't know what to do since their employer and managers don't know the HIV law or don't know anything about HIV. This is sad even the Department of Labor and Employment has a guideline for the implementation of an HIV in the workplace program.
So what can we do then?
The best and most sustainable way is for the company to establish an HIV in the workplace policy. This is not only required by law but it is the right way to do. Companies under the policy should then conduct their HIV awareness talks, if possible have an HIV testing or screening and promote activities related to HIV and AIDS. By doing this, everybody will start talking about HIV. By frequent education and knowing the rights of individuals and the people living with HIV, the c company will then provide a safe place to work in, free of stigma and discrimination. By continuous awareness programs, the company will acknowledge the sexual diversity and social inclusion related to HIV and AIDS. This then makes the company a welcoming place to work, a safe place to work in.
Below is the Department Order of DOLE which sets the guidelines for an HIV in the workplace program in the company.
Project Red Ribbon can help as we crafted the Comprehensive HIV in the workplace Program. Contact us at contact@projectredribbon.org.
