DOCTORS and nurses from a Laguna-based medical facility had just turned a magical night into a one-of-a-kind fashion show designed to raise funds for patients afflicted with Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV).
Coinciding with World AIDS Day, healthcare workers from The Medical City South Luzon (TMCSL) `walked the runway for a cause’ on Thursday (December 1) at the Monochrome event center in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
In a statement, Dr. Cesar Espiritu in his capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of the TMCSL cited sponsors from whom they were able to raise P100,000 for the Positive Action Foundation Incorporation (PAFPI), a non government organization known for its advocacy embarking on assisting HIV patients.
Espiritu said that the fashion show in partnership with the Center for Reproductive Health and STI treatment (CREST) didn’t just prove they are worth every inch of the runway donning Filipiniana collections. “We also find it an effective way to reawaken awareness on HIV treatment and prevention – on top of the pledges we got from our sponsors, who in turn would be helping HIV patients who could not afford the cost of treatment.
At the sidelights of the event dubbed as “Red Gala Unmasked,” Espiritu said that people infected with HIV should seriously consider treatment – “It’s no longer a death sentence as many thought it is. It’s not the end of the world for them.”
TMCSL chief operating officer Dr. Jose Juliano for his part described the funds raising project for the HIV patients as their “small contribution” that was pulled through their artistic expression with a sense of social responsibility, while rekindling awareness and advancing progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world.
“This walk on the runway for a cause is just a part of how we wish to return the blessings we’ve been getting for the last two years,” added Espiritu even as he cited the need to educate the younger generation on ways to stay away and safe from transmissible diseases like HIV-AIDS and COVID-19.
Among those who took part in the second Walk on the Runway for a Cause included Medical Center chief Dr. Norman Manlapaz, HICEC chair Dr.Jesus Julio Ancheta and CREST Clinical head Dr.Mark Kristoff Pasayan.
Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas for her part cited the TMCSL for its corporate social responsibility by way of sustaining its advocacy “complementing” government efforts even as she appealed for HIV-positive persons to come forward, undergo treatment and share their insights on fighting HIV-AIDS.
