The Victorias City government, through its Primary Care Facility, joined the global commemoration of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial at the Barangay XIII Covered Court in Gloriville Subdivision on May 27.
With the theme “We Remember. We Rise. We Lead.”, the event gathered around 600 participants from government agencies and non-government organizations to honor the lives lost to AIDS, support Persons Living with HIV (PLHIVs), and raise awareness on HIV prevention.
According to a press release, the program focused on educating the public about HIV and AIDS, preventing stigma and discrimination, promoting human rights and equal protection for PLHIVs, and strengthening efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Candles were lit in memory of those who have died from AIDS and in solidarity with people living with HIV.
The memorial served as a reminder of the continued fight against stigma and the importance of compassion, education, and community support.
Present at the event were City Culture and Ethics Officer and Chief-of-Staff of the Mayor’s Office Dr. Joselito Diaz, City Councilors Audie Malaga, Eric Alcobilla, and Trisha Mae Majan.
Also present were representatives from Provincial STI HIV & AIDS Program Josephine Nonato and Edjohn Javellana.
The activity was organized by the City Health Office, led by Dr. Richard Garlitos, Supervising Administrative Officer IV April Golda Acuña, Nurse II Mary Grace De La Rosa, and Nurse II Chitalisa Valenciano, a press statement from the City Public Information Office said.*
