BAGANI Community Center celebrates its first anniversary

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 community 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.

LoveYourself Founder and Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan graced Bagani's first anniversary during the community center blessing.

The challenge

What would have been a grand annual celebration turned into an exclusive invite-only event to honor the people behind the community center’s success. Diverse sets of activities were put in place to lift the spirits of the volunteers, clients, and guests alike. Tarot card reading and Baybayin workshops gave spice to the community center’s diverse activities and were done weeks preceding the big day. All attendees were encouraged to get tested and though the client turn-out was not as much as the center hoped, the community center still considers this a huge success.

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.

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 community center was able to administer a total of 369 clients in its first year alone, and with a total of 39 reactive cases which yielded a total of 10.51% reactivity rate.

As a growing community center in the city, Bagani aims to double its number in its second year by conducting more community outreaches. The community center was also able to build an alliance with several organizations in Bacolod City that share the same values and advocacies. With community empowerment, the center aims to mobilize not just its volunteers, but also its allied organizations.

Growing numbers, visibility Currently, Bagani Community Center has a total of 39 volunteers from different parts of Negros Occidental province. The community center prides itself with the commitment and dedication of its volunteers. The center believes that by growing the number of its volunteers, it will allow them to reach their target demographic not just by raising awareness and education about HIV/AIDS but through 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 community center will continue on moving forward and thrive in its campaign on HIV and AIDS awareness, LGBTQ+ causes and rights, and trans visibility. To get the latest update from Bagani Community Center, you can follow its social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), @ BaganiBCD.