Dubbed “Run Series: Color Splash Edition 2016,” the activity is also expected “to raise awareness and knowledge about HIV-AIDS,” said Pedal for HIV founder Faustine Luell Angeles Jr. said in a press briefi ng at the Colegio de San Sebastian here.
This, even as the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Luzon reported a 25 percent increase in HIV-AIDS cases in the region, with also fi ve AIDS-related deaths.
DOH Central Luzon regional epidemiologist Jessie Fantone noted an increase in the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) infected with AIDS. He noted that in Bulacan, one full-blown AIDS case was confi rmed among 27 asymptomatic cases or patients who do not exhibit symptoms of the disease, while in Pampanga, another one full-blown AIDS case was reported among 17 asymptomatic cases.
Angeles said that the Oct. 9 fun run here encourages participants “to have fun while at the same time educating our communities about HIV-AIDS to help lower the rate of transmission and death among people living with the disease.”
“We are also trying to attract more people to become advocates of HIV-AIDS awareness,” Angeles added.
He cited three fun run categories, 3-, 5-, and 10-kilometer runs with corresponding fees of P550, P650, and P750, respectively to cover the cost of race bibs, singlets, food, freebies, and raffl e entry for all participants. Free shirts are also to be given to the fi rst 150 registrants in each category.
Angeles also said that aside from the fun run, there would also be a Zumba exercises and street party at the Colegio de Sebastian.
“We also invited some celebrities who will join the run and who will be performing live during the street party. So it is defi nitely a fun and color-fi lled campaign for a cause and the amount you pay is really worth it,” Angeles shared.
“Representatives from the DOH as well as persons living with HIV will also give HIV talk and share their experiences. Free HIV testing will also be conducted during the activity,” he added.
The proceeds of the activity will be for the benefi t of “Ing Mamalakaya,” a support group for people living with HIV under the care of Bahay Lingad Treatment Hub.
The project is in partnership with the Pampanga provincial government, City of San Fernando, DOH, Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, Bahay Lingad Treatment Hub, YPeer Pilipinas, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines – Pampanga, and other sponsors.
