ANGELES CITY – The AIDS Council here has organized a concert on May 21 to raise funds for the continuous treatment of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
Heriberto Canlas, program head of the Angeles City AIDS Council (ACAC), said proceeds of the concert will be used to buy the needed medicines and hospitalization of PLWHA’s living within the city.
“The Pamintuan administration is committed in addressing this silent epidemic to prevent and control its spread to vulnerable sectors in the community,” he said.
Believing it is a unique way of creating HIV/AIDS awareness, Canlas said the concert also urges the government, private sector, non-governmental organizations and affected communities to respond to issues and challenges concerning the pandemic and other sexually transmitted infections.
He said the activity is also part of remembering and honoring those who passed away due to AIDS.
The concert will be held at the Bayanihan Park in Barangay Balibago and the best local bands have been invited to perform on the said concert.
This year’s AIDS Candlelight Memorial (ACM) theme, “Touching Lives” meant to promote both global solidarity and the need for collective action around HIV and human rights.
Canlas noted that one important objective of the activity is to stress the importance of protecting PLWHA’s rights and their civil liberties.
In a recent meeting, various sectors like the Philippine National Police, youth development office, other youth organizations, City Health Office and the Angeles City Sports Office vowed to support the event.
HIV/AIDS CASES
Early this year, health authorities here reported 10 new suspected HIV positive.
Since 1985, the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (formerly known as social hygiene clinic) has recorded at least 100 HIV cases, mostly women working in bars.
The center also noted an eight percent increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections among 13,000 women working in local bars and entertainment establishments in this city.
Entertainers are required by a city ordinance here to undergo weekly smear tests at the RHWC.
