Community Spotlight: Kagay-an PLUS celebrates five years of advocacy

written by Queenie Mauhay

Kagay-an PLUS – Preserving Life, Uniting Society Inc. (Kagay-an PLUS) celebrated it’s 5th year of serving and protecting the welfare, rights, and well-being of LG- BTQIA+ and People living with HIV (PLHIV) communities on August 28. This coincided with the first year anniversary of its Oro Pia community center, named after HIV ambassador and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

Initiated by the Social Hygiene Clinic of Cagayan de Oro City, the organization primarily aimed to represent members of the LGBTQIA+ and PLHIV communities. “We established the organization in 2015 with only 10 members,” Kagay-an PLUS Founder Enrique Nińo Patricio recalled.

Supervised by the Global Fund – Transitional Funding Mechanism of AIDS Society of the Philippines, the organization was established to provide services and promote education related HIV/AIDS and other STIs. These include free testing and counseling programs and awareness activities in the communities of Cagayan de oro City. KPLUS Inc. also conducts awareness programs on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE).

Five years in the advocacy, Kagay-an PLUS. has been devoted in their stance of preserving lives and uniting the society in ensuring equal and equitable access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services. They envisions to be a leading organization that promotes non-discriminatory and gender responsive solutions to issues surrounding sexual health and human rights of LGBTQIA+ and PLHIV communities.

“As long as you’re doing what is right, and you’re doing it wholeheartedly, I am sure that will achieve our goals,” shared Patricio. This serves as their motivation to forward their cause, especially during these uncertain times.

Stay updated with Kagay-an PLUS activities by following them on Facebook @ kagayanplus2015. You may also visit them at Oro Pia Lounge at the Gates 2 and 3 of Nuevas Building, 8th-21st Street, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City.