In observance of the International AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Candlelight Memorial (IACM), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has renewed its call for collective action to uphold the dignity of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) to ensure their access to supportive and life-saving care services.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency is closely-tied to the advocacies of the international observance, being the lead in the provision of social protection services to the Filipinos and one of the member-agencies of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC).
“The DSWD is one with the international and local communities in remembering lives lost to HIV and AIDS and in strengthening the call for a stigma-free society where collective compassion and support are the greater forces that serve as lifeline to those who continue to soldier on,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Wednesday (May 21).
Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained that year-round, the DSWD Central and Field Offices (FOs) commit to extending psychosocial care and support services for the prevention and management of risks and related problems of HIV infection among patients and their families.
In 2024, the DSWD has provided 6,120 PLHIV and their families with various services, including medical, educational, and cash relief assistance under the community-based grants of the agency, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
According to Asst. Secretary Dumlao, the diverse challenges posed by the epidemic are also met by psychosocial support to address the mental and emotional needs of PLHIV and their families.
“We understand that in tackling the issue of HIV in the country, it requires not just the effort of the health sector experts, especially as the aches of the affected population do not only strike their physical well-being. They also have emotional, spiritual, social, and practical needs,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.
As needed, PLHIV are given support to attain viable sources of income through the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and also referred to other government bodies for other forms of aid.
“We also conduct community awareness campaigns to uproot misinformation that contributes largely as to why the plight of our PLHIV communities are often misconstrued and not understood on a deeper level. Isa nga rin po ito sa multiple commitments natin during our observance of IACM,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained.
Observed every 3rd Sunday of May since 1983, the IACM is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots campaigns for HIV awareness, serving as a platform for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations.
This year’s IACM, which banners the theme, “We Remember, We Rise, We Lead,” will be commemorated in the Philippines on Thursday (May 22) with activities prepared by the member-agencies of PNAC.
In line with the observance, the DSWD has kicked-off candlelight vigils since May 18, and has been engaged in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS and promoting available services such as HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and care through its various communication platforms. (LSJ)