Recently, netizens were angered by a drug raid incident in Manila, Philippines. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed the identities of the suspects, even disclosing that one of them is positive on HIV which enraged the community. It drew so much flak that even our very own Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach had to take a stand regarding the issue. It was quite controversial not just on the part of breaching the involved’s privacy, but also because our people are “associating drugs and immorality with being gay.”
The Church, specifically the Philippine-Catholic HIV-AIDS Network (PHILCHAN) Antipolo Core Team are doing their best to inform everyone about the virus. In fact, the PHILCHAN contributed to raising HIV awareness by putting up a small booth in front of the Diocese in line with the National HIV-AIDS Sunday.
On December 3, ladies of PHILCHAN all gathered in front of the parish to sell merchandise and give out pamphlets all related to fighting HIV and AIDS.
For as low as 10 pesos, church-goers got a lovely red ribbon as a symbol of combat against human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS.
There were also other merchandise such as a mini Christmas tree decorated with the same ribbons.
To top it all off, the group has their very own photobooth complete with props that immediately says “No to HIV!”
Informational pamphlets were also distributed, along with a copy of a short prayer for our fellowmen who are suffering the disease.
Kristine Tuting
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Kristine Tuting knows she has developed a love-hate relationship when it comes to writing. She obtained her bachelor's degree in BA Communication Arts at the University of Santo Tomas and her high school diploma at Nuestra Senora De Aranzazu Parochial School. When she's not working, Kristine treats the writing process as learning, especially when it comes to religious terminologies.
