DOH Infectious Disease Cluster Head Dr. Rheuel C. Bobis (R) and ITRMC HIV/AIDS Core Team Head Dr. Jimmy Mynardo Mendigo (L) leads the opening of the “Project: Fearless photo exhibit booth last May 20, 2024 in commemoration of the 2023 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in San Fernando City, La Union. (Photo courtesy of PIA La Union)
THE Department of Health – Ilocos Region together with the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), Province of La Union and iECHO Support Advocacy Inc. launched the HIV Photo Exhibit Campaign called The Project: Fearless in commemoration of this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial held in San Fernando City, La Union on May 20, 2024.
The ceremony was conducted to remember the many lives lost fighting the battle against AIDS and also to honor the individuals who selflessly dedicated their lives in helping people living with and affected by HIV.
Medical Officer IV and Head of Infectious Disease Cluster Rheuel C. Bobis, who led the opening of the exhibit, said that “The Project: Fearless” highlights the ten (10) empowered Ilocanos who are living with HIV and who have experienced various forms of stigma and discrimination due to HIV/AIDS.
“When we give our wholehearted support to people with HIV, we make it easier for them to act normally and without fear, which makes their lives easier. And by openly talking about one’s HIV condition can an individual have the opportunity to correct misinformation and help others like themselves cope with their illness,” Bobis stated.
The ten People Living with HIV (PLHIV) gave their testimonials during the activity.
This year’s theme “Put People First: Kandila ng Pagkalinga, Liwanag ng Pagasa”, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the needs and rights of PLHIV.
Aside from the activity, the regional office continues to conduct trainings on community-based HIV Screening and HIV Counselling and Testing.
Also, free Antiretroviral Drug and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Drugs are given at treatment hub and social hygiene clinics at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Medical Center in Ilocos Norte, the Lacasandile Medical Clinic and Diagnostic Center and the Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital – Gabriela Silang in Ilocos Sur, the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union, and the Pangasinan Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City.
Meanwhile, Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco reminded PLHIV to regularly take their antiretrovial theraphy (ART) daily to prevent HIV from multiplying.
“The treatment reduces the risk of mutation and lessen the risk of drug-resistance. ART cannot cure HIV but it helps PLHIV to live longer and healthier lives,” Sydiongco emphasized.
Among the attendees during the activity were Ms. Meryl Kristine dela Vega, CDH DOH Ilocos Region, Dr. Jimmy Mendigo, Dr. Irish Tangco-Mendoza and Dr. Lea Sanedrin, Ilocos Training & Regional Medical Center, Ms. Stephanie Ruth Remorin and Ms Sharon Fontanilla, PHO La Union, Dr. Joel C. Estacio, DMMSU, and Mr. Ronald Kevyn Barangot, President of iEcho Support Advocacy Inc.
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