HEALTH workers, government officials, advocates, program implementers, and community members gathered for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2026 held on May 21, 2026, at the Capitol Grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anchored in the theme, \u201cLight the Legacy: Remember. Advance. Act. Keeping the Light Alive,\u201d the activity served as a tribute to individuals who lost their lives to HIV\/AIDS while strengthening public awareness and support for people living with the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The observance formed part of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), continuing efforts to promote public health awareness, inclusive healthcare services, and community-based initiatives under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event opened with a Holy Mass, followed by a video presentation highlighting stories of hope, advocacy, and the continuing fight against HIV\/AIDS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Provincial Health Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy delivered the welcome message, emphasizing the importance of unity, compassion, and continued awareness in addressing the challenges surrounding HIV\/AIDS in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Governor Aumentado, in his inspirational message, underscored the importance of eliminating stigma and creating a more supportive environment for individuals living with HIV\/AIDS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat truly hurts many people is not only the illness itself, but the stigma, judgment, and silence surrounding it. That is why activities like this matter, because they remind us that kindness, awareness, and empathy can save lives too,\u201d Aumentado said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further stressed that individuals diagnosed with HIV\/AIDS should never be deprived of hope, dignity, and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHIV\/AIDS is not a punishment. HIV\/AIDS is not the end of a person\u2019s dreams and future,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serving as the keynote speaker, Dr. Chito Pobar highlighted the continuing barriers faced by individuals living with HIV, particularly fear of discrimination and social rejection, which often discourage testing and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople are still delaying testing and avoiding treatment because they are terrified of being judged, ostracized, or discarded by society. Stigma is a lethal barrier,\u201d Pobar said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also shared his experiences throughout his years of involvement in HIV-related programs and patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThroughout my thirteen years in this program, I have witnessed this tragedy firsthand, seeing my own patients die one by one because of HIV, and heartbreakingly, many of them were my friends,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Anthony Oliver Julacdon, a nursing aide, HIV counselor, and HIV motivator, delivered a testimony highlighting the realities, struggles, and hope experienced by individuals living with HIV\/AIDS, encouraging greater understanding and acceptance within the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The program also featured the HIV\/AIDS Candlelight Prayer led by Paulino Torrejas, followed by the candle-lighting ceremony symbolizing remembrance, solidarity, hope, and continued commitment to the fight against HIV\/AIDS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participants gathered in unity as candles illuminated the Capitol Grounds, honoring the memories of lives lost while expressing support for individuals and families affected by the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health workers, advocates, and stakeholders also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening information campaigns, encouraging early testing, promoting treatment access, and addressing misconceptions surrounding HIV\/AIDS through sustained education and community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The observance further emphasized the importance of compassion, empathy, and collective responsibility in building a society free from discrimination and fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aligned with the Capitol\u2019s Strategic Governance Roadmap, PGBh reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive healthcare initiatives, promoting HIV\/AIDS awareness, and fostering a more compassionate and supportive community in the province, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PR)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
HEALTH workers, government officials, advocates, program implementers, and community members gathered for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2026 held on May 21, 2026, at the Capitol Grounds. Anchored in the theme, \u201cLight the Legacy: Remember. Advance. Act. Keeping the Light Alive,\u201d the activity served as a tribute to individuals who<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8450,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,32,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-thisweektopstories","category-top-stories",""],"yoast_head":"\n