Comval observes International AIDS Candlelight

Compostela Valley Province, June 29, 2015 ---The Provincial Health Office (PHO) with the Department of Health (DOH) joins the AIDS Candlelight Memorial Ceremony in Poblacion, Nabunturan on June 23, 2015 with the theme ‘Supporting the Future.”

The observance started with a motorcade in the town at 6:00 o clock in the evening with the participating partner agencies in the DOH, provincial and municipal officials.

Senior Board Member and Health Chairperson Jayvee Tyron Uy said that the DOH urges those engaged in risky behaviors to know their status by availing of the free HIV testing at Social Hygiene Clinics in Region XI.

“Don’t be afraid to undergo HIV testing. We have free HIV Testing at SPMC, RHWC, DRH and Social Hygiene Clinic in Tagum City and soon at CVPH Montevista. The DOH assures that confidentiality will be maintained for people submitting themselves for test,” he said.

He added that he is also willing to volunteer to submit himself for the HIV testing this coming July because he believes that “Early Detection is Early Prevention.”

Supporting the AIDS Candlelight Memorial are partner agencies in the DOH-STI, HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control as well as the students of (Sulong Dunong and Green Brigadiers Scholars), Professionals and Government workers, Barangay officials and functionaries of Poblacion Nabunturan, Teachers and GayLes (Gay and Lesbian) Association of Comval.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, coordinated by the Global Network of People living with HIV is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV awareness in the world. (Rey M. Antibo, PGO-IDS Comval)