May 2021 Issue
NEWS
LoveYourself transforms community pantries into Safe Spaces
written by Edgar Bagasol & Adrian Nanagad
This strategy is part of LoveYourself’s expansion of the Safe Spaces program. With this initiative, the organization hopes to transform more community pantries as Safe Spaces in the next months and consequently, reach more KPs, especially youth in urban poor communities where access to condoms and lubes is very limited. LoveYourself is also currently mobilizing partner community-based organizations like DIOSSA in Paranaque City in distributing condoms and lubes via community pantries.
A young man accesses condoms at the Tulong Obrero Community Center in Quezon City. Photo by Adrian Nanagad
Following its Love Pantry in Cebu, LoveYourself, through its Safe Spaces program, is now distributing condoms and lubes in several community pantries in Metro Manila. This is one of the organization’s current strategies to address the barrier to people’s access to HIV/STI prevention strategies amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent survey conducted by SKPA Philippines, a significant 16 percent of key populations had difficulties accessing condoms and lubes mainly due to COVID-19 restrictions. Other reasons include financial limitations and issues on availability. Riding on the momentum of community pantries in the country—where people can access basic food commodities for free or at a minimal cost—LoveYourself saw the opportunity to make these venues as well for condom distribution. The organization has been continuously supplying 11 community pantries in Metro Manila with condoms and lube since May 2021. These community pantries include: Concepcion Community Pantry (Pasig City) Tulong Obrero Community Pantry (Quezon City) Samson Road Community Pantry (Caloocan City)
Batang Sampaloc Community Pantry & Balut Tondo Community Pantry (Manila City) Nueve De Pebrero Community Pantry (Mandaluyong City) Almanza Dos Community Pantry (Parañaque City) Golden Acres Talon V Barter & Community Pantry (Las Piñas City) Ilang Ilang Community Pantry (Pasay City) 4P’S Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pantawid Pamilya Community Pantry (Muntinlupa City) Apart from distributing condoms and lubes, people are also directed to the Safe Spaces chatbot (m.me/safespacesph) where they can inquire about other HIV/ AIDS information and locate other Safe Spaces locations. With the COVID-19 pandemic still at large, LoveYourself maximizes opportunities to deliver its services to the people. By making condoms and lubes available in community pantries, this proved to be an effective strategy in promoting HIV and STI prevention not only among KPs, but to the population at large. Interestingly, apart from KPs, there is also high demand for these commodities among mothers and middle-aged adults as observed by pantry organizers.
LoveYourself is one of the leading community-based organizations in the country that provides free HIV/AIDS services. In 2018, the Safe Spaces program was launched to promote use of condoms and lubes by setting up receptacles in nonhealth establishments such as cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, fitness gyms, universities and workplaces.
JUNE 3 4 5
UMatter: Inspiring a Client-Centered HIV Response in the Philippines and Southeast Asia (Symposium organized by LoveYourself and International AIDS Society) U Matter: Pride Starts with U (An online Pride concert by Kamini Community Center)
Pride Celebration (HIV 15 YCAP awareness and CBS organized by YCAP Community Center)
Blood, One Color, One 26 One Cause (HIV awareness and testing activity)
Lollipop 2 (Online Fashion Show by LoveYourself Cebu) Pride Fest and Safe Spaces and PrEP Launching (A Hybrid activity organized by Bagani Community Center)
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