Mahintana Foundation, Inc.

The world has been commemorating the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial since 1983, on every 3^rd Sunday of May, lighting candles in memory of persons who have died with HIV/AIDS.  This activity is considered to be the “oldest grassroots movement” against the spread of the disease, extending support to others, creating leaders, and bringing communities together.  This year, the activity is commemorated with the theme “Many Lights for Human Rights,” which reminds the public that HIV/AIDS touches every person, every minute, in every part of the world.

Last May 16, 2010, Polomolok STI/HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Council, Mahintana Foundation, Inc., and Dole Philippines, Inc. co-sponsored the commemoration of the 27^th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial at Robinson’s Mall, General Santos City.  Booths displayed in the said mall displaying and distributing various IEC materials.  This activity was initiated by the City Health Office, under the leadership of Dr. Jacinto Makilang, City Health Officer, in partnership with Dr. Mely Lastimoso, Head of Social Hygiene Clinic.  The activity includes free HIV and Syphilis testing, where a total of 40 clients have submitted themselves to voluntary testing.  Raffle contests were also held, with Dole pineapple products, condoms, and t-shirts as prizes.

The event started with a short program which started at around 6:00 pm.  Dr. Lastimoso gave the rationale of the celebration.  Highlight of the program was a testimony given by a Person with HIV/AIDS accompanied by the Alliance Against AIDS in Mindanao (ALAGAD-Mindanao), an NGO working on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and AIDS.  The patient was a 19-year old student from Davao, diagnosed with HIV last April 2010.  He learned of his disease when he donated blood to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) last December 2009.  In his testimony, he shared his shady practice of being involved with Men having Sex with Men (MSMs), as early as 14 years old.  Though he was recently diagnosed, he was brave enough to give the testimony because he wanted to share to the youth as well as the general public, the effects of engaging in such sexual acts.  He added that lack of information about the disease made him unaware of the risks involved while engaging in these activities.  He considered the informed public fortunate to be given the advocacy in preventing the proliferation of this disease.  At the end of his testimony, he encouraged those who may had been exposed to take the free HIV and Syphilis Testing being conducted inside the Mall.

Lighting of candles followed led by Dr. Lastimoso, who reminded everyone of the five (5) HIV/AIDS patients in General Santos City and millions of others, worldwide who have died of the disease.  She added that this would also serve as a reminder that patients with HIV/AIDS need the support from the government, political leaders, NGOs, and other social developmental players, giving them hope to continue the fight and be an advocate against the spread of such disease.  Lastly, she offered a prayer while the audience silently joined her.  The program ended with a Closing Remarks given by Dr. Jacinto Makilang, the City Health Officer of General Santos City.