July to August 2021
JULY TO AUGUST 2021
Third time's a charm: Ripple Awards is back! written by Bet Domingo
Ripple Awards, the most anticipated award-giving body for the HIV movers in the Philippines and beyond, is back on its third installment despite the persisting COVID-19 pandemic. LoveYourself, Inc., SKPA Philippines, and the PROTECTS Project, together with the SaferNow Philippines movement, are campaigning for the recognition of the game-changers in the HIV and AIDS landscape of the country by restaging the Ripple Awards.
The Ripple of Inspiration is the theme for the individual category, honoring their kindness, brilliance, and bravery in uplifting lives affected by the HIV epidemic. Ten Ripplers or finalists will "We are bringing back the Ripple Awards be shortlisted in this category. because so many things have changed since the pandemic. So many people have Organizations that created and brought stepped up to make ends meet, especial- change to the HIV advocacy by activating ly for the people living with HIV and HIV people, volunteers, and others to be agents frontliners," LoveYourself Executive Direc- of change should fall under the theme of tor Ronivin Pagtakhan expressed. Ripple of Activation. Only five finalists will be shortlisted in this category. Pagtakhan added that even in these difficult times, we could find individuals and or- The last theme is the Ripple of Innovaganizations relentlessly helping their com- tion. Under this theme are the two promunities, and we hope the third time's a jects, which can be related to the ongoing charm for them for this 3rd Ripple Awards. pandemic or non-pandemic. The project should have brought an impactful and posThis year, the 3rd Ripple Awards itive change to a specific target audience will be honoring five individuals, through an innovative solution. three organizations, and two projects, which will fall under three To nominate, visit bit.ly/RIPPLEAWARDS. The deadline for nominations will be on awards themes. October 29, 2021. The 3rd Ripple Awards also includes a campaign on the stories of the Ripplers for people to take inspiration and emulate within their respective communities. The awarding of Ripple Awards usually coincides with the holding of the Love Gala, a charity and awards gala, gathering... continue to page 4...
What’s inside? 3
Community in Action For growth and sustainability: SHIP trains more CBOs through CABLE program
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Always PrEPared: PROTECTS offers free PrEP nationwide
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AYAT advocacy encourages youth to be #SEXponsible in NHPM 2021
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Community Spotlight S2RONGER: The Oro Pia Community Center by Kagay-an PLUS 2nd anniversary
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"Tigang" but on quarantine? Let's discuss
Wall: 10 Freedom Start of Care
Daydreams can be one's reality
11 Combi nation: Episode 12
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EDITORIAL
July to August 2021
EDITORIAL BOARD A message from LoveYourself’s Executive Director, Dr. Ronivin Pagtakhan
July and August have been very tough. But despite the adversities, we succeeded and became leaders of our own. July is a special month for me because it’s the birth month of my brainchild – LoveYourself. Celebrating our tenth year with the theme LoveYourself X: A Decade of Excellence in Serving the Community proves the importance of molding our future leaders to be people and service-oriented. We are also celebrating the anniversaries of our partners: FPOP Iloilo in the Visayas and Oro Pia in Cagayan de Oro. I am pleased to note that these celebrations are happily shared with our stakeholders in our respective communities, especially in battling the twin pandemic of HIV and COVID-19. Our communities joined forces to celebrate the second year of the National HIV Prevention Month under the SaferNow Philippines banner campaign with the theme: Be Informed. Be Empowered. Be SaferNow Philippines. I am truly honored and grateful for our CHAMPION Community Centers network and partners in the HIV advocacy for supporting and localizing our initiatives and efforts for our greater community. I’d like to personally acknowledge and thank Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. for always being there for all of us – LoveYourself, the Champion network, PROTECTS, SKPA Philippines, AwraSafely, SaferNow Philippines, TLF Share, and many more. July and August would not have been better, especially for the HIV advocacy, if not for you and your influence. Another on my list to express my gratitude is the triad of USAID, PEPFAR, and EPIC for bringing innovative and augmentative solutions for the HIV challenges in the country. I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the local government unit of Mandaluyong City for their #MandaVax program because we were able to innovate and establish our own #SafetyVax program. This initiative enables HIV frontliners, advocates and ambassadors, people living with HIV, community organizations members, and their families, people in various categories, and Mandaleños to take part and be vaccinated. The past two months may have started shaky, but with the people behind us, volunteers who rise to leadership, and members of the community who take up space, we were able to grow and beyond. As we take a new course in our community publication of presenting our stories bi-monthly, we still hope for your continued support in making our people informed, empowered, and safer now.
Diego Rozul Editor-in-Chief News and Features Editor Edgar Bagasol Jr. Managing Editor Layout Artist Literary Editor Queenie Mauhay TJ Monzon Illustrator for Combi Nation Contributors Asha Gutierrez EJ Marquez Hazel Jeremias Margaret Aganon Sheen Asuncion Rayd Espeja Raymond Manahan
Raybert Domingo Adviser
Again, thank you, and I wish you all great “Ber” months to come!
SHARE YOUR STORY! Create more Ripples by sharing stories of your own communities. This may include your events, activities, research, innovations, or any human interest stories that you think could inspire others in forwarding our cause. To contribute, you may contact us at ripplespub@loveyourself.ph
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July to August 2021
NEWS
For growth and sustainability: SHIP trains more CBOs through the CABLE program written by Edgar Bagasol Jr.
Forty-three community-based organizations (CBOs) heeded the call to champion sustainable HIV advocacy through the CABLE program of the Sustained Health Initiative of the Philippines (SHIP). This August, 13 CBOs successfully completed the 15-week program–two securing a cash grant worth PHP 100,000.00.
CABLE is a capacity-building program developed by SHIP to train CBOs on organizational development, community health research, and project management—capacities deemed essential in ensuring their growth and sustainability. The CBOs acquired these capacities through a series of online training and bootcamp workshops. Two batches with a total of 43 CBOs across the country participated in the pilot implementation of the CABLE program. The first batch (35 CBOs) underwent online training from August to November 2020, while the second batch (6 CBOs) was trained from January to May 2021. According to CABLE Project Officer Radnir Arandia, the CBOs were closely monitored and mentored during the training. As the program was designed for distance learning, most of the training courses were taken by the CBOs at their own pace and time within a certain period. Live sessions and case study-sharing were also done to ensure learning outcomes among the CBOs. After evaluating their performances from the online training, 13 CBOs qualified for the Bootcamp wherein they were tasked to develop project proposals and pitch them to funders for potential support. With mentoring sessions, Arandia explained that the project proposal development ran for six weeks. “Besides the concepts and theories in project development, the CBOs were trained on how to monitor, evaluate, and present their proposals. The CBOs also learned sustainable strategies as well as essential skills on financing and resource mobilization,” said Arandia. The CBOs, meanwhile, had to align their proposals to the theme “Improving the HIV Cascade of Care through Differentiated HIV Service Delivery.” This was a major consideration for the judges in evaluating their proposals during the pitching day held on August 14. Attended by grant partners and key stakeholders, the pitching day featured 13 comprehensive and innovative proposals developed by the CBOs. Representatives from each CBO were given ten minutes to pitch their ideas and address questions from the judges and attendees. While watching the CBOs present, Arandia couldn’t help but feel inspired by the outputs of the CBOs. “I felt a sense of fulfillment because our vision to strengthen their organizational capacities and impart them with the necessary skills in order
The CBO representatives strike a pose after their Bootcamp Pitching day on August 14 (Photo grabbed from SHIP)
to be sustainable materialized and we saw that in their proposals,” Arandia said. I realized that when CBOs are provided with an appropriate platform to develop programs, they can be very innovative and in the process, you’ll see how sincere and committed they are with the cause they’re advocating for,” he added. The process of selecting the best two from the 13 proposals became a difficult task for the judges. One of them, Dr. Jonathan Fontilla of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations noted that most of the proposals were equally comprehensive and have a lot of potentials to be sustainable. However, after a rigorous deliberation, iPLUS advocacy (Ilocos Sur) and The Red Whistle (Manila) topped the batch, securing a 100,000-peso cash grant each to jump-start the implementation of their proposals. IPLUS advocacy President Rolly Alviar remarked, “This win is not only valuable to us but to the people living with HIV that we will be providing shelter with; our PLHIV members who will continue to live their lives productively with this livelihood initiative to improve their socio-economic situation.” Grateful, The Red Whistle also expressed appreciation to the program implementers and hoped to share their best practices with more organizations. continue to page 6...
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NEWS
July to August 2021
Always PrEPared: PROTECTS offers free PrEP nationwide
written by Raymond Manahdan
As an integral part of its combination prevention strategies, the PROTECTS project launched its free Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) program in May 2021 nationwide. This program is being implemented in partnership with several Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) all over the Philippines. With this drug, the Filipinos nationwide can be Always PrEPared to prevent HIV.
From page 1: Third time's a charm...
advocates, organizations, and people of influence and authority in the HIV community. However, due to the persisting COVID-19 pandemic, the Ripple Awards organization pursued a standalone awarding, which is tentatively scheduled for December 4 to support the celebration of the World AIDS Day (2021) commemoration and celebration. Winners will receive the meaningful Ripple Awards trophy designed by artist Tokwa Peñaflorida. Some of the notable Ripple Awardees are Dr. Enrique Tayag of the Department of Health, Senator Risa Hontiveros, and Angelina Mead King. "When we held the first Ripple Awards in December 2017, there were never any second thoughts. It is about time to honor and celebrate those who made an impact and continue to work hard for the HIV advocacy here in the Philippines," Ripple Awards program lead Kurt Silvano said. The Ripple Awards vision is to amplify the works of individuals and communities to create greater awareness and encourage movement for the advocacy, Silvano added. The first Ripple Awards was held at the BGC Arts Center, and its second installment was conducted in ABS-CBN Vertis Tent in 2019. In support of the 3rd Ripple Awards, global HIV advocacy ambassador Pia Wurtzbach said, "Together, let's celebrate the life, love, and selfless service of the HIV champions in the Philippines. Now more than ever, let's continue to create ripples of positive change in the community.
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PrEP is a drug that HIV-negative individuals take to prevent HIV infection. It can offer up to 99% protection against HIV if taken daily. It was introduced in the Philippines in 2017 through the PrEP Pilipinas program, spearheaded by LoveYourself in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and other stakeholders. The PROTECTS project will provide free PrEP drugs to qualified individuals, together with a package of services designed to ensure that it is taken properly. Various organizations and health centers in the country will take part in the free PrEP program. Community Centers that will offer free PrEP include LoveYourself, Lakan Community Center (Mabalacat, Pampanga), YCAP Community Center (San Fernando, Pampanga), Bagani Community Center (Silay, Negros Occidental), and Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (Manila). Several social hygiene clinics and City Health Offices will also offer free PrEP drugs and services under the PROTECTS project. PrEP is part of the WHO and UNAIDS global strategy to reduce new HIV infections especially in areas where HIV cases are still on the rise. If you are interested in availing PrEP services, you may visit Champion Community Centers and talk to an Online Beshie at #AwraSafely: http://m.me/awrasafely.
A screenshot from a client who accessed the free PrEP program of PROTECTS through LoveYourself. He described PrEP as the "blue pill to end my kapraningan" [the blue pill that will end his anxiety] (Post by Kevin @kevinpublo)
2021 Issue July June to August 2021
FEATURES FEATURES
AYAT advocacy encourages youth to be #SEXponsible in NHPM 2021
written by Sheena Asuncion, Margaret Aganon, and Edgar Bagasol Jr.
"Education is the best prevention." Holding on to this belief, AYAT advocacy spearheaded a month-long localized campaign that aimed to increase awareness among Ilocano youth on prevention methods to teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Dubbed #SEXponsibiliTIPS, the organization launched the campaign in celebration of the National HIV Prevention Month (NHMP) in August.
What’s the problem? As a youth-led organization focused on awareness-raising, AYAT advocacy deemed this campaign timely and relevant given that cases of teenage pregnancy and HIV in the Ilocos region continue to rise. In 2019, 13% of the 62,341 pregnant teenagers recorded nationwide came from the Ilocos Region. Meanwhile, the region placed 5th with the highest number of reported HIV cases in January 2021, accounting for 4% of the reported 890 cases in the said month. #SEXponsibiliTIPS put emphasis on these facts, discussing several factors (e.g. people’s low awareness of HIV, inaccessible prevention services, etc.) contributing to these significantly high numbers in the first parts of the campaign.
Preventing teenage pregnancy and STIs
er, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the activity has been postponed and moved to After presenting the problem, the cam- September. paign laid down prevention methods available in the country. It particularly focused Despite these, the #SEXponsibiliTIPS on promoting condoms with lubes as the campaign continued. AYAT advocacy remost accessible and affordable method leased online posters on HIV prevention to prevent teenage pregnancy and HIV. strategies and conducted more engageThrough a series of informational posters ment activities to enrich the conversaand online engagement activities, the cam- tion on certain issues surrounding sexual paign provided tips on how to properly use health, especially among Ilocano youth. the commodity, as well as, information on Wrapping the campaign with more inforwho should use and where to access them. mation. Other contraceptives (e.g. depo shot, implant, etc.) and HIV prevention methods All of these campaign activities were (PrEP, PEP, etc.) were also tackled in the wrapped up during the AYAT advocacy’s campaign. regular online talk show called “LABLOVE” on August 29. Apart from these, #SEXponsibiliTIPS also tried to address myths and misconceptions Digging deeper on the situation of teensurrounding teenage pregnancy, HIV, and age pregnancy and HIV in the Ilocos prevention methods. In one of the mate- Region, resource speaker Dr. Kareen rials, the campaign addressed people’s Sanchez shared that the cases of both usual attitude towards condom use, as- teenage pregnancy and HIV cases in the sociating it with promiscuity and treating Ilocos region are alarmingly rising. Dr. it as shameful. The campaign specifically Sanchez attributed this situation to the writes, “[This attitude] should change be- lack of awareness among Ilocanos on how cause the fact is, condoms protect people they can protect themselves from these from unwanted pregnancy and STIs...What sexual health risks. is more shameful is condemning such acts and endangering the life of a person.” “Given this, there is a need for Ilocanos to be more open in talking about sexual To translate the information dissemination health topics, especially because sex is to actual service delivery, AYAT advocacy still a taboo in Ilocos and the stigma suralso partnered with the Ilocos Norte Youth rounding HIV is still very rampant,” she Development Council (INYDC) and Ilocos expressed. Norte Gender and Development Office (INGDO) to distribute condoms and lubes in communities on August 21-22. Howevcontinue to page 6...
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FEATURES NEWS
July July to to August August 2021 2021
My Journey as an IAS Ambassador written by Hazel Jeremias
lations hinder the success of prevention efforts.
For someone as young as I am and very new to the HIV field, it felt humbling to be surrounded by many inspiring scientists who have been in the field for so long. To be able to exchange ideas with them was truly a marvelous experience to say the least. More so, to have the cohort of youth I am part of to be the center of this year’s conference is an experience that shows one how far youth leadership goes. My friends at the ambassadorship are at the forefront of HIV programs all over the world. Many are part of community-based organizations that run HIV services for their local communities. Some are even Being selected as an IAS Youth Ambassa- part of cure research! dor for this year’s conference has helped put things into perspective for me. The While it’s been forty years since the HIV program allowed me to learn the basics epidemic began, the HIV field is filled with of preparing funding proposals, pushing hopeful stories from finding a cure and for advocacy into policy reforms, ensuring making life better for people living with the implementation of scientific research HIV to preventing the spread of the virus into services, and many more. There were by providing many prevention options and several networking sessions tackling the eradicating HIV-related stigma and disimportance of ending stigma and discrimi- crimination. Indeed, there is more to come nation with many youth ambassadors say- when it comes to our fight to end HIV and ing that stigma experienced by key popu- AIDS and the youth will be there to lead. From July 18 to 21, the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference 2021 brought together leading scientists, leaders, community advocates, and organizations supporting the scientific and evidence-based solutions for the worldwide HIV and AIDS epidemic still present to this day. Albeit virtually, many scholars, practitioners, medical professionals, advocates, and volunteers gathered to share knowledge amongst each other on how best to tackle the HIV epidemic in panels and sessions.
Hazel, 22, currently works as one of the Project Officers of LoveYourself's SKPA Philippines program (Photo by Alain Lababit)
From page 5: AYAT advocacy encourages...
Meanwhile, another guest Reimond Lee, a person living with HIV from Ilocos Sur shared discussions on the concept of Undetectable = Untransmittable. He highlighted that once a PLHIV achieves an undetectable status, he/she may no longer pass on the virus to other people through sexual transmission. This, he believes, not only benefits the PLHIV but others as well since it helps prevent further transmission. He concluded his sharing with his life lessons as a PLHIV. He expressed: “As a PLHIV, I realized that there’s more to life than having this condition. We can still function like other people and become productive members of society by serving others despite our condition. My condition taught me to be brave and to be selfless, actually.” Ways forward The #SEXpinsbiliTIPS is one of the main campaigns of AYAT advocacy this year. Doing this campaign, the organization hopes to encourage more Ilocano youth to engage more in sex conversations, and access sexual health services, including condoms and lubricants. In the succeeding months, the organization will continue implementing campaigns geared towards promoting HIV testing services in the Ilocos region. AYAT advocacy will also hold series of training on community-based screening and HIV counseling among its volunteers.
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To learn more about these campaigns and activities, follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @AYATadvocacy.
From page 3: For growth and sustainability...
The project proposals from other CBOs however will not be put to waste. According to Arandia, their team will continue communicating with the CBOs and assist them in further improving their proposals and in searching for potential funders who can support their implementation. For the remainder of the year, SHIP will train a new cohort of CBOs under CABLE. With support from the Global Fund Sustainability of HIV Services for Key Populations in Asia (SKPA) Program through LoveYourself, SHIP is coming up with an enhanced program that puts greater emphasis on improving the CBOs’ financing advocacy and resource mobilization capacity. Targeting to train 24 CBOs for this upcoming batch, SHIP hopes to give more opportunities to beginning CBOs and help address current challenges they face, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
July to August 2021
FEATURES
S2RONGER: The Oro Pia Community Center by Kagay-an PLUS Inc. 2nd anniversary written by EJ Marquez
Kagay-anons joined the second National HIV Prevention Month (NHPM) with its own unique take on promoting HIV prevention amid the pandemic. From contests to shows, their NHPM activities culminated with the 2nd anniversary celebration of the Oro Pia Community Center. Back in August 2019, the community center’s ceremonial opening was led by Cagayan de Oro’s pride, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach with the assistance of LoveYourself, Inc. The month-long celebration started with the announcement of the Season 2 semifinalists of the Mister and Miss Kagay-an PLUS 2021 Virtual Edition. There are 11 lucky semi-finalists who got the chance to be trained and equipped with the talented beauties of KPLUS in preparation for the Grand Coronation set every 1st of December. Following the opening, the Condoms and Lubes Photo Contest was launched. Hundreds participated but only six were chosen. KPLUS participated in the said event. To further encourage use of HIV combination prevention methods, KPLUS facilitated PROJECT FEARLESS and CHIKKAdvocates Online Talk Show. Headed by the organization's secretary, EJ Marquez,
the online talk provided people a venue where they could talk about taking care of eeveryone's mental health and ways on how they can protect themselves from HIV and other STIs. The organization finds this platform relevant given the impacts brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to people's lives.
the Voice. iAmplify. Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Fearless." S2RONGER
Reflecting on what the organization has done so far in the past two years, they feel like they have become "S2RONGER," a wordplay for stronger. With all the acPROJECT FEARLESS: iAMPLIFY tivities they have done this year, despite the pandemic, they consider it a success; Project Fearless is the organization's annu- thanks to all the people and organization al campaign that aims to encourage people who have helped them along the process. to get tested and know their status in this time of pandemic. It also encourages peo- Executive Director Shane Quigao exple living with HIV to continue with their pressed, "Our organization would not be treatment medications. as strong as it is now, especially without our volunteer. They are the main foundaTheir theme this year is "iAMPLIFY." Aside tion of what we do. We are also grateful to from its originial objectives, the organiza- the Cagayanos who have put their trust to tion extend its campaign to encouraging us for the past two years." people to speak up when human rights are violated, especially among members of the The organization also extends its thanks LGBTQIA+ and PLHIV communities. They to LoveYourself, Miss Universe 2015 Pia also added key messages on encouraging Wurtzbach, and to their fellow Champion people to get vaccinated to protect them- Commmunity Centers network for their selves from the threats of COVID-19. outpouring support since the community center began. They also consider their colThe call of the campaign reads: "We want laboration with their local government unit to be seen, we want to be heard and we as essential in achieving their objectives as want people to join us so our voices will be an organization. amplified. The voice may come from one person, but if we have the same hearts, we With six years in the service as an organcan come together and be the change. iAM ization and two years in providing HIV services to the people, KPLUS has definitely learned a lot. Quiagao said, "we know we have much more to learn, much more to experience and much more to face in the coming years." "As one community, we should always be one and never be divided. We are here to remind everyone that we should not be divided by colors because we only have one, the color of our skin. The color by which our ancestors fought for. We are healing, we are indestructible. We are S2RONGER."
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FEATURE NEWS
July July to to August August 2021 2021
"Tigang" but in Quarantine? Let's discuss written by Bet Domingo
Due to the persisting COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos have been restricted from the ever-changing community quarantine classifications for over a year now. Unbeknownst to many, COVID-19 isn't the only virus of concern; HIV cases continue to increase.
Difficulty in mobility and accessibility to sexual health services became much more mundane, and that's where the dilemma begins. Now more than ever, campaigns on HIV and AIDS should focus on the needs of the key population, that despite the pandemic, these campaigns should reach our people. Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.'s (PSFI) Partnership, Advocacy, Policy and Communications Manager Dr. Maria Stella Flores explained that initiatives and projects lined-up for the HIV program include a combination of utilizing the online platform, capacitating the field staff, recognizing other media platforms like radio for specific KPs like people who inject drugs (PWID), and strategic partnerships with public and private sectors that will bring interest to the target audience. "Access to HIV services is still available and with special considerations to key populations (KPs) unique situation." Dr. Stella relayed. "By strengthening our partnership with local government units and social hygiene clinics and continuously supporting the Champion Community Centers network and community-based organizations, we can sustain our pre-pandemic efforts to establish a sound service delivery network," she emphasized. Good thing the HIV community quickly responds to the test of time by bringing sexual health services right at the click of your fingertip with bonus entertainment. It's where AwraSafely's "Kwentuhang Quarantigang," a fun and educational online show, comes in, linking promotion to service delivery channels. Dr. Stella shared, "Because of the limitations of our field staff to conduct a face-to-face engagement with our KPs, shifting to online media will ensure that we are here to listen to them, address their concerns and provide guidance on where to access services. Kwentuhang Quarantigang (KQ) 8 first aired in April 2021 with inter-
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net sensation Macoy Dubs as host, engaging Filipino youth to start normalizing the conversations surrounding sex and ways to do it safely. The KQ team also consolidates all discussion points on how individuals protect themselves from HIV for more stakeholder-informed campaigns. For its season one, KQ has touched on sex, AwraSafely and the available HIV services in the Philippines, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with Twitter alters & PrEP Pilipinas, and conversations with people living with HIV (PLHIV). Now on its season two, the opening salvo is about HIV prevention and a focus on condoms and lube in time for the National HIV Prevention Month celebration. Other pipelined topics area about the International Youth Day, the online Beshies, mental health, PrEP, and transitioning with transwomen. The show airs every Saturday at 8PM on AwraSafely’s official Facebook page. Social Media Manager for Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) - GF PROTECTS Carlos "Pogs" Nacpil envisioned KQ to be everyone's safe space and platform for sex-positivity. Pogs explained, "When people join the "kwentuhan" or conversations, they become more open to learning, exploring, and embracing their own sexual health and be able to communicate about sex topics without judgment and shame." He's hopeful of reaching more millennial and Gen Z Filipinos to join the movement of creating a sex-positive culture.
when more and more LGBT youth learn about safe sex and HIV prevention. "It's a great feeling knowing that we can all end stigma and discrimination together," she said. Meanwhile, Research Information Communication Officer for PSFI - GF PROTECTS Laurence Teologo overwhelms with gratitude for the support of "Beshies" and positive feedback from the viewers during the livestream, sent thru private messages or tagging in their social media posts. To know more about HIV and its related services, people can reach out and chat with the available online Beshies housed on the AwraSafely official Facebook page via direct messaging: m.me/ awrasafely. On the other hand, host Macoy Dubs pledges for continuous HIV prevention efforts in the country. "I pledge to use my voice and my influence to help the organization and the community in furthering the spread of correct information and education for HIV awareness and prevention," assured Macoy.
The Kwentuhang Quarantigang Show is presented by PSFI, and in partnership with Healthy Pilipinas by the Department of Health (Philippines), LoveYourself, Inc., SKPA Philippines, SaferNow Philippines, Champion Community Centers, TRANScend by LoveYourself, On the aspect of providing safe spaces for and TLF Share. the LGBTQIA+ members and allies, KQ Producer Hershey Neri is thrilled with joy
July to August 2021
FEATURE
START OF CARE No one should be a subject to their own circumstances, neither be looked down upon by succumbing to the social indifferences they are trapped in. It may sound cliche, but the idea of pure humanitarian help should be enshrined to each and every heart of people. After all, if only we all have the luxury of time, resources, and effort everything would be so easy. Restoring care for our fellow humans will not be far-fetched from reality.
As a humanist who volunteers at Bagani Community Center, it is not really a surprise to be surrounded by fellow volunteers that are pumped up and fueled by their ideals to help other people. Bagani Community Center is more than just an HIV screening site affiliated to LoveYourself, but a safe space for ideas waiting to be enacted and manifested. The programs spearheaded by its volunteers really surprise not just me but other organizations in our city. The initiative is more than commendable considering Bagani Community Center just turned 1 year old last March, but its impact is truly evident. The Bagani Cares Bagani Cares is a program initiated by the then, Bagani Community Center, now Bagani by LoveYourself to provide basic services for PLHIV in Bacolod City. The organization identified that one of the challenges when it comes to the adherence to medication of our PLHIV brothers is the access to transportation. Bagani Cares, opted to provide and have this challenge lifted from our PLHIV to ensure they are able to get the medication they needed in fighting
A Bagani volunteer interviews a Boy Scout of the Philippines representative in one of their pride activities. (Photo from @BaganiBCD)
HIV. Bagani Cares was initially proposed back in December 2020 by Butch Lavaro, the Center Manager however, the launch was momentarily postponed due to the rise of COVID19 cases in Bacolod City. Months passed and Demos Brodit, a volunteer from batch 2 took the initiative to make Butch’s plan happen. And back in June 2021, Bagani Cares formally launched during the Bagani Pride Fest held at Acacia Hotel and Resort in Bacolod City. The Key People and their Growth Demos Brodit probably is someone you’ll least expect to spearhead a Bagani Cares, not that he does not have the capacity but he is someone juggling two full time jobs and turning his night as day. It is just fascinating to see how he is able to manage his time and put his utmost best to make sure that Bagani Cares are handled currently and stay on its track. Also, we cannot deny the support he gets from his team, which equally has the same background as he is. Patrick Cruz and Rey Kilayko are both busy people but always find time to lend their hand for Bagani Cares. The three of them emulates the quality of leadership
written by Rayd Espeja
we all dreamed of. The kind of leadership we all expect for the current administration, which was rooted by many 5 years back but failed to transcend all the promises, and left us in the verge of disbelief. However, their team makes us believe that there are still people who can walk the talk, even if challenges may be too harsh to soak in. That no matter how impossible things may seem, they are willing to exert their utmost best to make sure that things will work and stay on track. Aren’t they inspiring? Did you know, each one of us has the power to emulate this kind of leadership to our future leaders? That is why we are encouraging you and people you know to register and exercise your rights to suffrage this coming 2022 election. The Care Does Not Ends There Bagani by LoveYourself became one of the most active organization not just in Bacolod City but across the Negros Occidental province. Since the month of July, Bagani by LoveYourself was able to visit towns and cities within the province to have HIV Talk and Screening in partnership with local government unit’s health offices. Also, Bagani Cares tried its luck and submitted a proposal to TAYO Awards hoping to get additional grants and funding for its future projects. The submission to the said award is more than a privilege, and if by chance Bagani Cares will be selected, more than the award and funds, it is a statement that Bagani Cares are doing well more so its leadership.
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FEATURE
July to August 2021
Graphic from @WomenLokal; grabbed from Canva.com
Daydreams can be One's Reality Artwork by Asha Gutierrez If the world is ending, or the way it seems to be lately, You lose not only a loved one, a dream, your security, or even your safety. You go back to dreams—dreams have existed, within, and unspoken, due to feelings of doubt, or a lack of belief that you deserve it. But it does creep up on you when you least expect it, you denied yourself of it for so long; life plays tricks on you, your heart is a colossal that ceases to exist amidst a forgotten yearning. Our dreams do not seem to align into reality, I have so much to work for you to see. I fall asleep hoping for hard work will show Whenever days might feel empty. I continue to look ahead, to look up carrying this within, a dream To never forget that, My work is also for my community That I can choose That now I have a voice Having myself to repeat A thousand dreams for a better year. I am not alone anymore, As I work for others and their goals Or more so, I do not need to feel That the world is a drunken feat In which building together is impossible. I live in a world Where I felt it better to dance On my own Broken pieces that I am, But now I have a dream, To wake up, a sunshine Someone to pull me up, From the darkness, patience, as we vote and hope for a better day Daydreams can happen I whisper to myself Day after day, now we fight, Not for our own but for all. Daydreams can happen but more So, speaking and working as one. I’m afraid too.. but now I cannot be For I have you, and you have me. For the remainder of our days...
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NEWS
July to August 2021
COMICS
written by TJ Monzon
Wait. Who's that?
To be continued...
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July to August 2021
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