March 2021 Issue
FEATURES
BAGANI Community Center celebrates The AYAT of Ilocanos its first year anniversary written by Edgar Bagasol Jr.
written by Rayd Espeja
Bagani Community Center celebrated its first anniversary on March 17. Despite the pandemic, the staff and volunteers were able to commemorate the milestones of the commun ity center while being mindful of COVID-19 safety protocols. Bagani is proud to become the face of HIV and AIDS awareness in Bacolod City and the rest of the Negros island with the help of its zealous volunteers. Transcending its efforts In 2020, Bagani Community Center, in cooperation with the local government units of Negros Occidental, hospitals, and the provincial HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT), was able to reach 215 newly diagnosed people living with HIV. In addition, the The challenge community center was able to administer What would have been a grand annual a total of 369 clients in its first year alone, celebration turned into an exclusive in- and with a total of 39 reactive cases which vite-only event to honor the people behind yielded a total of 10.51% reactivity rate. the community center’s success. Diverse sets of activities were put in place to lift As a growing community center in the city, the spirits of the volunteers, clients, and Bagani aims to double its number in its secguests alike. Tarot card reading and Bay- ond year by conducting more community bayin workshops gave spice to the com- outreaches. The community center was munity center’s diverse activities and were also able to build an alliance with few ordone weeks preceding the big day. All at- ganizations in Bacolod City that share the tendees were encouraged to get tested same values and advocacies. With comand though the client turn-out was not as munity empowerment, the center aims to much as the center hoped, the community mobilize not just its volunteers but also its center still considers this a huge success. allied organizations. LoveYourself Founder and Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan graced Bagani's first anniversary during the community center blessing.
In compliance with safety protocols, the community center provided face masks and ensured that social distancing among the visitors were observed. The biggest hurdle in implementing the directive of the city was received without much resistance. Overall, the challenges became a blessing in disguise and serve as a reminder that safety is the center’s top priority.
5
This mural which represents Bacaolod City's Maskara festival is painted on the walls of Bagani Community Center. Other paintings of local artists in the cities are also exhibited in the community center. Photo by Ronivin Pagtakhan
HIV/AIDS but throigh community-based screening to reach untested key populations. This coming April 17 and 18, Bagani Community Center will also welcome its fourth batch of volunteers. They aim to add at least 100 people this year to their roster of volunteers who will help them in reaching their targets. BAGANI version 2.0
Bagani Community Center capped its first year with great achievements and aims to do better in its second year. As its volunteers keep growing, the center is no longer a champion of awareness but evolved to be a multi-faceted torchbearers of change in the region. catalyst of change. The comGrowing numbers, visibility munity center will continue on moving forward and thrive in its campaign on HIV Currently, Bagani Community Center has a and AIDS awareness, LGBTQ+ causes and total of 39 volunteers from different parts rights, and trans visibility. of Negros Occidental province. The community center prides itself with the com- To get the latest update from Bagani Commitment and dedication of its volunteers. munity Center, you can follow its social The center believes that by growing the media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), @ number of its volunteers, it will allow them BaganiBCD. to reach their target demographic not just 5 by raising awareness and education about
5
