Hilongos LGU joins World Aids Day observance

HILONGOS, LEYTE, Philippine s — The Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MCDO) and the US Peace Corps led the youth and other community members of this town in participating in the activities commemorating the annual World AIDS Day yesterday.

This year's World AIDS Day celebration, which has the theme "Getting to Zero," is aimed to educate and create awareness among the participants about the dreaded disease.

Municipal officials said Hilongos understood how HIV/AIDS affects all countries, thus the local government, led by Mayor Jose Emery Roble, did its share in a worldwide campaign for zero HIV infections and zero AIDS-related deaths.

The MCDO presented two short videos on the topic while the town's educators led in the candle lighting vigil in remembrance of those who have or had HIV/AIDS.

There was also the releasing of 12 lanterns, representing the estimated 12,000 people who have become infected with HIV in the Philippines.

Ryan Patek, a US Peace Corps VolunTEER ASSIGNED TO THIS TOWN, TOLD The FREEMAN that constant activities related to HIV/AIDS can encourage people to be more vigilant.

"With lesser access to testing facilities, it is very important that people will know about the infection in order to prevent it," he said, as he confirmed that HIV/AIDS already reached Leyte.

Patek then acknowledged the effort of his local counterpart Edmund Vilbar of the MCDO who will be working with him "until the conclusion of my duty in two years time."

He further lauded the support of Roble in any family and social activities that the US Peace Corps has undertaken in this town. (FREEMAN)