LA UNION SHOWS SOLIDARITY IN INTERNATIONAL AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL DAY

June 1, 2024 Provincial

SAN FERNANDO, La Union

In commemoration of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day, the Provincial Government of La Union spearheaded the conduct of activities that aim to honor the memory of those who lost their lives to AIDS, show support to those living with HIV and AIDS, raise community awareness, decrease stigma, and mobilize community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS on May 24, 2024, at the La Union National High School (LUNHS), City of San Fernando, La Union. The event was conducted in partnership with IECHO Support and Advocacy lnc., the
Department of Health, and the Schools Division of the City of San Fernando, La Union, where 150 senior high school students of the LUNHS participated.

Lectures relevant to the celebration were discussed in the program, including Lifestyle-Related Diseases and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and HIV 101. A photo exhibit of the 10 Ilocano-empowered people living with HIV was also showcased. The commemoration revolved around the theme, Put People First: Kandila ng Pagkalinga, Liwanag ng Pag-asa. In the message of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David delivered by
Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Herminigildo Velasco, she emphasized, “As we conduct this activity…nawa ay mas
maliwanagan tayo tungkol sa global health issue na ito at mas marami pa ang mahikayat nating bigyang-pansin at pagaralan ito… show our support at makipag-La Union PROBINSYAnihan kasama ang buong mundo.”

Also present during the event were Principal III, Ms. Melinda S. Verzosa of the LUNHS; Mr. Jose Mari Almeida, Schools Governance and Operations Division DepEd City Schools Division Office Chief; and Medical Officer IV, Dr. Joseph Alves of the City Health Office. The event served as a testimony of #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan in elevating the province’s social consciousness on HIV and AIDS and mobilizing KaPROBINSYAnihan in fighting the stigma.

Camille R. Bumatay/Edited by Feurella Forosan/UC-Intern