The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Program (TRR) has announced the scheduled observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) at the UP Sunken Garden and Grandstand in Diliman, Quezon City on Sunday, May 18, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The event will be held in cooperation with the University Student Council (USC), UP Diliman, and in partnership with the AMA Events Company.
The IACM is scheduled every third Sunday of every May, and is simultaneously held all over the world to show solidarity among nations in honoring those who have been affected by the AIDS pandemic since 1983. However, over the past years, the event has become much more than a memorial, becoming an opportunity to educate about HIV and AIDS, create community dialogue, and influence local and policy-makers about prevention, care and treatment. It also has become an opportunity for coordinators to improve community mobilization skills, partner with like-minded groups and professionals, and find unity within a global coalition of HIV and AIDS activists.
TRR, an advocacy group that provides care, assists in treatment and support to people living with HIV (PLHIV), has been active in hosting international HIV-related events in the Philippines and has been able to align with different organizations, advocacy groups, support groups, government and non-government organizations and foundations that have HIV-related programs. The IACM is the second partnership of TRR with USC after the World AIDS Day Celebration held on December 1, 2013. The partnership with AMA is the first, but as early as this month, both are already planning future HIV-related events.
“TRR believes that the event will create an important message to the entire nation about the real situation of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines. As the event honors those who passed away because of AIDS, the nation can be reawakened about the importance of early HIV testing and early treatment, and realize the present issues about policies surrounding HIV and AIDS,” said Pozzie Pinoy, who helms TRR.
For this year’s IACM, invitations have been sent to schools and universities, HIV and AIDS treatment hubs, and HIV testing facilities, different companies, government and non-government organizations, support and advocacy groups, religious organizations, and foundations. Companies that impact health and fitness were also invited to participate in this international event. Celebrities, personalities, the media are also expected to join.
“With the participation of different groups and professionals, programs on awareness and education, activities that promote prevention of HIV in the country, (we believe) the event can be a powerful venue in the creation of one mission for everyone. The delivery of facts and emotion behind each segment of the event can trigger stronger awareness among the audience, to participate in HIV and AIDS activities, have an active role in HIV and AIDS programs and become instruments of change in the country,” Pozzie Pinoy ended.
For individuals who want to participate, proceed to the registration table at the venue starting at 1:00 PM. TRR requests everyone to bring a red umbrella and wear a white shirt. Those who wish to bring their own lapel red ribbons and white candles may do so.
Organizations, companies or groups who want to participate and put up their booth to showcase their programs in the event, contact Ariane Alvarez at (+63) 917 560 6091, Nova Rodriguez at (+63) 917 824 6786 and Carlo Alvarez at (+63) 936 975 8709. For more information, contact the TRR VP for external affairs and communications, David Fabros, at davefabros@gmail.com or info@projectredribbon.org.
