TRR in BBC World Service Calling

My partner Tag  told me that when he was young, he used to listed to BBC World Service Calling, a radio show that highlights on international news, with in-depth analysis and information. Tag has a fascination with radio show that when he was young he used to staget a radio show, with him as a host in the backyard of his house in the U.S.

A month ago, with my communications with Dr. Margarita Holmes, a renowned psychologist and sex therapist in the Philippines, popular for her books, her articles in newspapers and online magazines and her TV shows; and a dear friend of the TRR Foundation, TRR was asked to be part of the BBC World Service Calling about HIV and AIDS in the Philippines. Smita Patel, the Senior Producer of BBC Radio Current Affairs, started sending me emails about her coming to the Philippines and giving an interview. We conversed over the phone and asked about the situation of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines, the age group of the affected population and the sex workers in the Philippines with HIV. She asked if she can interview the TRR Foundation and how it is helping those who have HIV and interview three people living with HIV and a sex worker who has HIV. Of course, I was glad to be of help as this will bring forth the focus of the world to the Philippines once again. But the one who was more excited was my partner Tag, who can't believe that this was happening to me and the Foundation.

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National HIV Testing Week

Now its OFFICIAL. 

The Philippines first National HIV Testing Week will be held from May 11-15, 2015. 

According to the memorandum from the Department of Health signed by Secretary Janette L. Garin, the purpose of this event is to inform, de-stigmatize, de-mystify and promote HIV testing to key populations at higher risks for HIV.

For reference, see the the official Memorandum below:

"We act FAST when we CARE"

-Pozziepinoy-

Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 

Check this link:

CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact Pozziepinoy

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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The Foundation, In action in Iloilo City

In February of this year, TRR presented in the Western Visayas AIDS Congress held in Iloilo City. We presented all TRR's programs and even brought the TRR Ceremonial Red Ribbon which is used in all IACM and WAD events. 

During our visit to Iloilo, together with a consultant and partner who works for USAID, TRR went and had a courtesy call with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. He graciously welcomed us. We talked about the HIV situation in Iloilo City, its HIV and AIDS Treatment hub in Western Visayas Medical Center and the support of his administration to the HIV programs in the city. Mayor Mabilog referred us to his CHO for a discussion of TRR's Programs. On that same day, the TRR Team with 2 of our Care Managers who are based in Iloilo City, met the USAID Health and we discussed on how we can implement the TRR programs and about health governance in Iloilo City. Late in the afternoon, we went to the provincial capitol and met another group and talked on how we can push for TRR HIV programs in the whole province of Iloilo including Iloilo City.

TRR, though it is a Care Management Program is now venturing into the scene where it can make a great impact in the country, for the PLHIV community. As of this moment, TRR has been invited to the provincial meetings of Iloilo where our proposals on HIV Programs can be discussed.

"We act FAST when we CARE"

-Pozziepinoy-

Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 

Check this link:

CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact Pozziepinoy

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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PhilHealth Packages for PLHIV

For the 2 months, The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation (TRR) has been spearheading the revisions of the PhilHealth packages both for out-patient (OHAT) and in-patient coverage. For the sake of those who don't know what TRR is all about, the Foundation is geared towards improving the quality of lives of people living with HIV (HIV) and has been a driving force of health and wellness in the PLHIV community in the Philippines. 

For the past 4 years since TRR started as an advocacy group and bloomed into a full blooded Foundation, we have been helping our economically challenged PLHIV for their medical needs through the TRR Love Fund and our partner PCSO. When TRR because a Foundation in July 2014, TRR has provided medical assistance worth P101,079.79 and PCSO assistance of P1,049,900. However, TRR found out that we are just addressing the the symptoms and not the root causes of the health care problems here in the country.

PhilHealth caught the attention of TRR and during our meeting with the President and CEO of PhilHealth Atty. Padilla, we discussed on how we can review and make recommendations on how to make the best coverage plan for PLHIV.

3 months have passed and we are now on the verge of finalizing everything after 3 tedious meetings. Trust me, the coverage is expansive and even the Department of Health - National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program was so excited about the undertaking. It will address a lot of issues (and concerns, if I may put it) concerning PLHIV. As the president of the TRR Foundation, I want to spill it out right now, however, I can wait for another month until it has been signed by the President of PhilHealth.

"We act FAST when we CARE"

-Pozziepinoy-

Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 

Check this link:

CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact Pozziepinoy

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry: December 2014 Report

The Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry of the Department of Health - National Epidemiology Center (DOH-NEC) just released its report for December 2014.

From the report, there were 509 new HIV cases in the Philippines, 95% were male. Reported modes of transmission were sexual contact, needle sharing and mother-to-child transmission. 85% of the cases showed males having sex with males (MSM) as the predominant type of sexual transmission. The top 3 regions with the highest incidence were NCR, Region 3 and Region 7.

From 1984 to 2014, there were 22,527 cases reported with 2,049 deaths.

For the full report of the registry, please see below.

(Source: Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry, DOH-NEC)

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Holiday Schedule at RITM-ARG this February

ADVISORY

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24/7 ARV Refill at RITM

ADVISORY

FOR RITM-ARG CLIENTS

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Please Support

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Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry: November 2014 Report

There are 492 new HIV cases in November 2014 in the Philippines according to the latest Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry of the Department of Health National Epidemiology Center.

According to the report, 96% of the cases were male and 85% of the cases showed males having sex with males as the predominant type of sexual transmission. The highest cases are coming from the NCR (43%), followed by Region IVA (13%) and then by both Regions III and VII (10%).

From 1984 to present, there were 22,018 HIV and 2,011 AIDS cases in the Philippines with 1,101 reported deaths.

For the full report, please check out report below.

(Source: Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry: DOH-NEC)

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TRR World AIDS Day 2014

ADVISORY

The Project Red Ribbon

Care Management Foundation Inc

will be observing the

World AIDS Day 2014

"Engaging the Youth in Getting to Zero"

on December 7, 2014 

from 2pm to 8pm

at the

LIWASANG AURORA (fountain side)

Quezon Memorial Circle

Quezon City

For details, please see the

TRR WAD 2014 page at

www.worldaidsday2014.blogspot.com

Attendees please wear a 
RED SHIRT

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Get Tested!

Don't miss this chance! Get Tested! Know your status!

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AIDS on Stage!

May we invite you to see the play "KIRIRIRNG AIDA'T MACARAEG" on Aug 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10/ 3pm and 6pm.

AIDS ON STAGE: “Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” 

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ADVISORY: New Flu Vaccine

ADVISORY

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT

THE NEW FLU VACCINE 

FOR THIS YEAR

IS NOW AVAILABLE 

IN THE PHILIPPINES!

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HIV DOCTOR

IF YOU WANT TO GET

 THE NEW FLU VACCINE

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

If you have comments or questions, please click this link:

Contact Pozziepinoy

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Questionnaire About the SET Experience!

ANNOUNCEMENT

IF YOU HAVE ATTENDED THE 

SELF EMPOWERMENT TRAINING

(SET)

AND YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANSWERING A QUESTIONNAIRE ABOUT IT,

PLEASE EMAIL ME AT 

pozziepinoy@yahoo.com

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It Might Be YOU!

Hi! Youth Voices Count Philippines is looking for young PLHIVs, aged 18-24 yrs, to appear on a national campaign on self-stigma/issues among young MSMs and Transgenders and PLHIVs. After which, it will be rolled over throughout Asia and the Pacific. We value the identity of the person involved in this project. That is why you can opt not to show your face or just show some parts of your body. If you or you know anyone who is interested, please contact Gelo Camaya ASAP. Thanks!

Mobile: 09178433947
Facebook: gelocamaya@gmail.com
Twitter: @soGELOcious

Gelo Camaya

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Red Party Manila

ANNOUNCEMENT

Do you want to participate in an event that will support  HIV awareness? 

JOIN THE RED PARTY MANILA

on

FEBRUARY 16, 2013

9PM SATURDAY

OROSA, NAKPIL STREET, MALATE

TICKETS are at P150

Buy your tickets at:

 The Love Yourself (TLY) lane at the event

OR

Contact Lep at 09179435106

*** For ticket reservations, visit:

http://go.loveyourself.ph/RedPartyTickets

The proceeds from the booths: marriage, jail, photobooth etc, 

will be the fund generating activities for TLY. 

THANK YOU!

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Our Christmas Gift to RITM-ARG

Calling on ALL RITM-ARG PLHIV's and to EVERYONE who have golden hearts.

A lot of PLHIV's have been helped by RITM-ARG. Up to now they provide FREE services and FREE labs to both NEW PLHIV's and returning PLHIV's

This Christmas Season, can we all pledge a minimum amount of P500.00 

for 

OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT:

New Sofa Seats in the RITM-ARG Reception Area

(1) Printer/Scanner/Photocopier 

CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE:

1. Deposited thru THE LOVE FUND

   Account Details:       

           BDO Savings Account Number: 1420060188

           Account Name:  Rossana A. Ditangco

2. Give in person to RITM-ARG and look for:

    a. Ate Beth

    b. Maram Bartolome

    c. Ate Let

    d. Marvin

   Please tell the staff that the money that you are donating is for 
OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT

DEADLINE OF 

PLEDGES AND DONATIONS IS NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Let's share our blessings this 

Christmas Season 

to our RITM-ARG

 that is 

helping us and a lot of PLHIV's.

Please email me at pozziepinoy@yahoo.com if you want to make a pledge. 
All PLHIV's who are contributing will be acknowledged by RITM-ARG

Thank you very much and Have a Merry Christmas to all!

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Confusion on CD4 Testing in RITM-ARG

I've been hearing this for quite sometime now. PLHIV's are confused if there really is FREE CD4 Testing in RITM-ARG in Alabang. There are claims that are circulating that:

1. CD4 test is not free for new patients
2. Succeeding CD4 tests will be charged to returning patients
3. A few patients said that they were charged for CD4 before.

Because of this, I called Dr. Ditangco, the head of RITM-ARG and she said that ALL patients, both new and returning, are given FREE CD4 testing and lab tests (except lab tests for specific OI's and viral load test) in RITM-ARG. She said that they have maximized their PhilHealth funds and they have free CD4 test reagents so they have the capacity to give FREE CD4 tests. She told me that the patients who are charged for CD4 testing and not given FREE CD4 are only those who are:

1. NOT patients of RITM-ARG
2. NOT patients of RITM- Satellite Clinic
3. NOT patients of RITM-ARG-supervised social hygiene clinics.
4. Patients who don't pass through RITM-ARG and who go directly to the laboratory of the RITM main hospital without any referral from RITM-ARG.

I also called Ate Beth of RITM-ARG and she said that they started giving FREE CD4 test last June 2012. This means that those who got their CD4 earlier than June 2012, really paid for their CD4 test.

So to be clear, to avail of the FREE CD4 Test in RITM-ARG:

1. You need to be a patient (both new and returning) of
     a. RITM-ARG in Alabang
     b. RITM-Satellite Clinic in Malate, Manila
     c. any RITM-ARG-Supervised social hygiene clinics

2. Do not go directly to the laboratory of RITM Main Hospital as you will be considered not a patient of RITM-ARG since you don't have a referral from RITM-ARG.

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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Peer Educator's Training for PLHIV

Be part of the 

NATIONAL POOL OF PEER EDUCATORS FOR PLHIV TRAINED BY 

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The Department of Health, through the National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) under the Infectious Disease Office (IDO) of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC), 

invites applicants for the 

TRAINING ON PEER EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV (PLHIV) on 

November 2012. 

Details of the training will be sent to the qualified applicants. 

To qualify, he/she must:

1. be a PLHIV

2. be empowered and actively involved in support groups or care and support organization

3. have at least one year experience/involvement in providing care and support services to PLHIV

4. have good writing / speaking skills

5. be capable of preparing client profile and narrative report of client intervention

6. have undergone training on HIV 101, RA 8504, and Sex, Gender and Sexuality

7. be articulate in Tagalog and English (or local dialect)

8. have a spirit of volunteerism

Requirements:

1. Application letter addressed to Dr. Jose Gerard B. Belimac, Program Manager, NASPCP

2. Essay on unforgettable experience(s) as a peer educator. State issues and how these were addressed. 

3. Recommendation/Endorsement from Superior / Head of Organization and 2 peers/colleagues

4. Supporting documents for training attended

Considerations for Selection of Applicants: 

Knowledge:

• Basic counseling with emphasis on transference and countertransference 

• Updated on HIV epidemiology (local and global)

• Updated on programs implemented by national government and NGOs

• aware of referral mechanism

• Has basic knowledge on HIV and STI, ART, RA 8504,TCS services

• Must be familiar with illicit drugs and drug use (specially for PLHIV/PWID)

• Must be familiar with human anatomy

• has undergone formal training on peer education and group facilitation

Skills:

• Capable of preparing client profile and activity report 

   Articulate in Tagalog and English (or local dialect)

Atttitude:

• must have self-confidence

• must be gender and age-sensitive

• client – centered approach

• Sensitive, emphatic, open-minded, good listener, good communicator,  trustworthy

• must follow ethical standards of a peer educator

• Committed to serve peers on a voluntary basis

Responsibility of a PLHIV Peer Educator 

a. Deal not just with health but also psychological aspects of health 

b. Could mobilize the community and empowerment initiatives that could evolve into community health educator or integrated programming

c. Information Dissemination and gathering of information

    i. Reporting 

    ii. Monitoring and Evaluation 

        - Forms 

        - Basic narrative report in managing clients

d. How to deal with people holistically

    i. Self awareness

        - Values

        - Attitudes 

        - Personal Needs 

        - Ethical standards 

        - Stress management 

    ii. Interpersonal communication skills

        - Facilitating skills 

        - Negotiation skills

    iii. Psycho social needs

    iv. Basic health needs / life support

        - Basic home-based care 

        - Basic life support 

e. Organizing and building a support group including mentoring of support group establish by peer educators 

f. Responsibility to self

Interested applicants must submit all documents on or before Sunday, September 30, 2012 to: 

Peer Education for PLHIV Training Secretariat

National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP)

3rd Floor, Bldg. 14

Department of Health

San Lazaro Compound

Sta. Cruz, Manila 

(632) 495-0149

or through email at naspcp@yahoo.com

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-

© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 

Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines

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