In celebration of the World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, LoveYourself, Inc. and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), together with 10 community-based organizations nationwide, conducted a national HIV testing day Saturday.
Dubbed as “Know Your Status (KYS) and Play or #KYSandPlay2019, this national HIV testing day entails a free, fast and confidential HIV test at 19 test locations nationwide.
This collaboration with PETA aims to strengthen the awareness campaigns of community-based organizations through highlighting the #ActingOnHIV drive of the theater institution. Theater performers are the primary ambassadors for the #KYSandPlay2019, namely: Topper Fabregas, Jimi Marquez, Gio Gahol, Gerhard Krysstopher, Iji Ampil, Eko Baquial, Chamyto Aguedan, Bene Manaois, Dylan Talon, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Lygie Carillo, Cheeno Macaraig, Carlon Josol, Mico Esquivel, Miguel Almendras, Jarred Jaicten, and Ian Segarra.
Topper relayed, “It’s so important to have HIV represented in theater, hopefully in all art platforms. I remember when we did Normal Heart, you’ll be surprised at how so much people don’t know [about HIV].”
Relatedly, Marquez explained, “When you’re getting tested, it’s a win-win situation if you think about it. If you’re negative, you know you’re practicing safe sex correctly. If you’re positive, then you get to know what to do next.”
Gahol said, “There is strength in knowing the changes you need to face, to make good of whatever your status is. Know your status and you get to choose your next step. If we let fear take over, we allow the virus to choose for us.”
Based on the Department of Health (DOH) report, there are around 1,111 newly confirmed cases of HIV cases July alone. 51% of the cases were aged 25-34 years old, followed by 31%
In Mindanao has three testing centers, namely, (1) Oro Pia Community Center in Cagayan de Oro, (2) #36 Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, Poblacion District in Davao, and (3) Mujer.Community Center in Brgy. Tetuan, Zamboanga. (pr)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
