Since 1988, the entire world started to commemorate the World Aids Day every first of December to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses wherein different agencies, governments and civil society unites to campaign specific themes related to HIV awareness yearly.
Meanwhile, the City Government of Vigan celebrates the World AIDS Day every year through the City Health Office. Despite the pandemic, said office steered a cafe themed set up for this year’s celebration following strict health protocols. Talented youth of the city competed along spoken poetry and song writing contest which tackles this year’s theme: “Global solidarity, resilient HIV services” last December 01, 2020 at Vigan Conservation Complex.
SONG WRITING COMPETITION
- 1st Place Paul John Atanes
Barangay Cabaroan Daya - 2nd Place Karah Lilyrose Ungao
Barangay Nagsangalan - 3rd Place Adonis Espiritu
Barangay Pagburnayan - Best Vocalist John Lord Supnet
Barangay Cabaroan Daya
- Best Composer Angelli Arreola
Barangay Paratong
- Best Composer Marc Niño
Barangay Paratong
- Best Musicality
Benedict LopezICST, Pantay Daya
together to show support for the people living with HIV and to
remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Spoken Poetry
- 1st Place Christian Castañeda
Barangay IV
- 2nd Place Angela Refuente
Barangay Pantay Daya
- 3rd Place Romelyn Palacielo
Barangay Nagsangalan
Due to the threat of the virus, different health protocols were strictly observed and the participants were limited unlike in the previous years.
The ceremonial lighting of candles and the red ribbon symbol were done at the end of the program where prayers for HIV-AIDS victims as well as the government and the whole community was higlighted in the prayer to strengthen their support to those who are living with HIV.
The entire event was aired via Facebook live through the Vigan City PH, the official Facebook page of the City, for wider audience reach.
“The City Government of Vigan pushed through this event for us to further express the city’s endless support, love and acceptance to the persons living with HIV as well to break the stigma and create deeper understanding towards HIV-AIDS into our fellow Bigueños.” CHO II Dr. Loida Ranches said.
According to the World Health Organization, there were still 38 million people living with HIV infection as of 2019. One in five people living with HIV was not aware of her infection and one in 3 people receiving HIV treatment experienced disruption to the supply of HIV treatments, testing and prevention services, especially children and adolescents.
WHO also recorded over 690 000 deaths from HIV-related causes and 1.7 million people were newly infected, with nearly 2 in three (62%) of these new infections occurring among key populations and their partners.