cpai 2nd quarter issue

participants which give them

the whole picture of the life

of a PLHIV and its senti-

ments. Then after there was

a free HIV testing conducted

by Dr. Chamberlain Agtuca of

the Vicente Sotto Memorial

Medical Center HIV/AIDS

Core Team with counseling

by staff of CPAI who are DOH

trained counselors.

E Performax Contact Centers &

BPO is passionate about

performance and providing the

best service to their clients and

their customers. And not just that

they also have compassion to-

wards their employees. And with

that, they held a month long,

Health Awareness involving Per-

sonal Health Information, Mater-

nal Health and also on the cur-

rent issue on STI & HIV/AIDS.

And Cebuplus Association, Inc

was invited to conduct the ori-

entation. Information and

awareness were given by Jer-

son See. After which a true

story of a young PLHIV was also

shared after the session which

touches the emotions of the

H I V O R I E N T A T I O N @ E P E R F O R M A X

A P R I L — M A Y — J U N E 2 0 1 3

S E C O N D Q U A R T E R I S S U E

C E B U P L U S

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

HIV Orientation

@ ePerformax 2

HIV Awareness, Brgy.

Taptap, Cebu City

3

Camotes Island,

HIV Awareness 4

30th International

AIDS Candlelight Me-

morial

5

Speak Out! 9

Responsible Youth on

the Move,

Mobile VCT

11

Staff Enhancement

& Development Train-

ing

12

GMA 7 Cebu,

Interview 13

HIV Counseling & Test-

ing Training Batch 4 14

A fter the successful HIV/AIDS Orientation on NSTP students of University of Cebu – Banilad Campus. One of their

teacher decided to bring the awareness to the barangay level. So again he invited Cebuplus Association, Inc to con-

duct a HIV/AIDS awareness in Brgy. TapTap, a mountain barangay in Cebu City. A 15 — 16 km travel from main Cebu City.

Emotions and feelings came in as

participants internalize the feeling

of a person infected with HIV.

And made them clearly under-

stand the entire situation. Espe-

cially during the time when a

PLHIV gave his true story about his

life. Which changes their views to

PLHIV.

H I V A W A R E N E S S I N B R G Y . T A P T A P

C E B U P L U S

Venue was in Cebu City Resource Manage-

ment & Development Center (CREMDEC). Doc-

tor Chamberlain Agtuca of VSMMC HAC Team

came along to give additional information and

conduct testing.

A Wildfire activity is conducted to allow partici-

pants experience a variety of feelings and

emotions related to HIV infected persons. And

Participants will understand how quickly the

virus can spread.

C amotes Island, are group of islands in the Camotes

Sea, Philippines. The island group is located east

of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north

of Bohol Island. It is 34 nautical miles from Cebu City and

part of the province of Cebu.

C A M O T E S I S L A N D , H I V O R I E N T A T I O N

Reilyn Arradaza, Irish Arnado & Cindy Reformina from Cebu-

plus Association, Inc with Doctor Chamberlain Agtuca of

VSMMC HAC Team and Boel Espinas from DOH-7 were the

team who went up for a early travel to Pilar, Camotes Island,

which took them more than 5 hours to reach their final desti-

nation to conduct HIV Orientation with Counseling and Free

Testing. A lot of misconception and myths surrounds the locals

were corrected and change afterwards.

But as for Doctor Agtuca of VSMMC HAC Team and Doctor Niel

Erasmo of DOH– NASPCP coordinator, that there is still a lot of

things to be done to give information even to the most far

ends of Cebu.


Health Officials in the Island were alarm when they knew

that one of their local was rumored to have died due to

AIDS and was heard around town. Contributing fear to the

locals. They informed DOH7 about the current information

and seek assistance on what to do and how to inform the

people about it and lessen their fear about it.

T he International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is one of the

world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns

for HIV awareness in the world. Started in 1983, the International

AIDS Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May

and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organizations in

115 countries. http://www.candlelightmemorial.org/

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is much more than just

a memorial. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial serves as

a community mobilization campaign to raise social consciousness

about HIV and AIDS. With 33 million people living with HIV today,

the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial serves as an important

intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma

and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations.

This years theme, “In Solidarity”, emphasizes the need for

people living with and affected by HIV to join hands and

work together in the response to HIV. Solidarity in commu-

nities is essential to reduce stigma and promote the in-

volvement of people living with HIV in order to ensure a

more effective HIV response.

And Cebu City is one of the cities in Philippines, that con-

ducted the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.

Funded by San Funds and organize by Cebuplus Associa-

tion, Inc and with Cebu City Multi–Sectoral Aids Council

(CCMSAC) as implementing partner.

The Cebu City Multi-Sectoral STD/AIDS Council, in which

Cebu Plus Association Inc. (CPAI) is a member, has been

3 0 T H I N T E R N A T I O N A L A I D S C A N D L E L I G H T M E M O R I A L

“In solidarity”

the need for people living with

and affected by HIV to join

hands and work together in

the response to HIV.

C E B U P L U S

taking the lead in the conduct of IACM every 3rd

Sunday of May, participated by the different HIV

stakeholders in Cebu City, both government and

non-government agencies. For the past 4 years,

Cebu Plus Association Inc. has been taking an

active part in the successful implementation of

the IACM.

This year, CPAI aims to enhance community par-

ticipation in the observance of the IACM. It aims

to mobilize the MSM and TG communities as

well as the youth and get them involved in the

advocacy to increase HIV awareness and reduce

stigma and discrimination.

Held at Fuente Osmeña Circle, One of the most pre-

vailing landmark of Central Cebu City. At around 3:00

pm of June 19, 2013 (Sunday). Started with a parade

with all stakeholders and other NGO groups in the

city. From Fuente Osmeña to Cebu Provincial Capitol

Building & back to Fuente Circle. Program proper was

started with a Doxology presentation and National

Anthem by FORGE Inc. an NGO working to end child

commercial sexual exploitation in Cebu. Opening Re-

marks by Dr. Delia Kiamco from DepEd Supervisor I.

Followed by the history of IACM. And the renewal of

commitment by lead by Sir Jed Ronald Filotiyo of Cebu

City Health Department.

3 0 T H I N T E R N A T I O N A L A I D S C A N D L E L I G H T M E M O R I A L


Followed by the Quilt Making, where in Marichu Borres,

representative of Hon. Cuenco of the city council gave

the History of the Quilt. Weeks before the event, each

stakeholders/group were given 5 pieces of “catcha”

cloth as similar size of a tombstone. Every individual quilt

panels are created personally by people whom who

knows anyone who has died by AIDS related condition or

those who want to share the same advocacy. And then

the pinning of the quilt, where in stakeholders give their

message about what they create on their cloth.

Followed by the ceremonial “Folding of

the Quilt”, represented by the positive

community. For the past two years, two

panels had already been made. Which

share its own stories of love, memoirs

and the commitment to continue to

strengthen the advocacy.

The Quilt is a powerful visual reminder of

the AIDS pandemic, most commemorat-

ing the life of someone who has died of

AIDS and have been sewn together by

friends, lovers and family members .

The Quilt ceremony is a memorial and

celebration of the lives of people who

have lost to the AIDS pandemic. Its goal

is also to bring awareness to how mas-

sive the AIDS pandemic really is, and to

bring support and healing to those af-

fected by it.

The Cebu City Multi-Sectoral STD/AIDS

Council started the Quilt Making Activity

in 2011, as part of the yearly AIDS Can-

dlelight Memorial Ceremony, and

planned to continue the tradition this

tradition for the coming year.

“The Quilt shares its own stories,

memoirs & commitment to continue to

strengthen the advocacy.”

C E B U P L U S

And finally , the Candle Lighting Ceremony.

The traditional candle lighting ceremony to

remember all those who died of AIDS and

to rekindle the commitment of the different

stakeholders to continue the fight against

HIV .

A 200 meters red cloth was laid in the

ground in the form of ribbon with 500

small red candles with glass in laid on the

sides.

An awareness ribbon, which symbolize the

solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Candle Lighting ceremony was leaded by Dr. Ilya

Tac-an, Head of Social Hygiene Clinic and Jerson See,

Executive Director of Cebuplus Association, Inc.

Four big red candle where lighted first. And one by

one, people who surrounds the red ribbon slowly lit

the small candles on the ribbon. While a soulful song

was rendered along the lighting. And a minute of si-

lence was given in remembrance to those people who

have lost in the the AIDS pandemic.


Reduce Stigma,

Ensure Access,

Increase Resources,

Promote Involvement

Cebuplus is a group of dedicated volun-

teer working on almost all aspect of HIV/

AIDS response. They help build bridges

that connect the PLHIV’s and the most at

risk population to the treatment hub as

well to the other stakeholders working on

the HIV/AIDS advocacy. Their personal

experiences and their daily struggles with

HIV has made them a better counselor, a

reliable confidante, and a effective out-

reach worker that eases the doubts and

insecurities faced by PLHIVs on day to day

basis.

They play the valuable role of helping the

PLHIVs acquire their desired medical ser-

vices, access ARV treatment & treatment

for opportunistic infections, and facilitate the

conduction of laboratory tests that help de-

termine the physical status of these persons.

They take care of the abandoned, serve as

immediate family members of those sick

and frail, and be there as source of strength

for those sick, and frail, and be there as

source of strength for those who are be-

reaved or discouraged.

I believe in the advocacy cam-

paigns of Cebuplus. I believe in the

honesty of their goals and motives.

Their utmost dedication to have

these advocacy fulfilled is what

motivated me to stay in the pro-

gram. This also assure them of my

full support

I am the Physician for the HIV/

AIDS Core Team (HACT) at Vicente

Sotto Memorial Medical Center,

one of the 17 DOH-designated

Treatment Hubs for HIV/AIDS in

the country. I also coordinate the

Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for

the ARV Treatment Adherence

Program of the Department of

Health for Central Visayas.

As a HACT physician I get to see

PLHIVs right after their initial anti-

body screening;

“They take care of the

abandoned, serve as

immediate family members

of those sick & frail, and be

there source of strength”

C E B U P L U S

“sharing opinion with other people, the sound of your voice travels 'out' from you.”

I also facilitate laboratory testing to determine

baseline laboratory values for newly diagnosed

cases, monitor ARV toxicities among those al-

ready on treatment. The VSMMC Treatment

Hub also facilitates CD4 testing, Voluntary

Counseling and Testing, Prevention of Maternal

to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services, as well

as specialized consults in Ophthalmology for

CMV retinitis, Treatment for Tuberculosis and

other medical services.

S P E A K O U T !

lasted for almost an hour).

We ended up spending the night in Pilar, Camotes

giving out HIV 101 lecture and conducting HIV Volun-

tary Counseling and Testing. The trip was utterly ex-

hausting but life changing. I noticed the dedication of

the Cebuplus members during the trip, nobody com-

plained. Their enthusiasm for community outreach

was very infective. I am looking forward to going back

to Camotes to finish what we had started.

The most memorable experience I had working

with Cebuplus was the trip that brought us to

Camotes Island.

From Cebu City we road on a van to Danao City

to take the boat trip that lasted for 4 hours and

arrived at Camotes past lunch time.

We took a motorcycle ride thinking that we

would finally reach our destination only to be

told that we would be taking another boat ride

for an additional 15 minutes (which actually


“I believe in the advocacy campaigns of

Cebuplus. I believe in the honesty of their

goals & motives. This assures them of my

full support.”

I believe in the advocacy campaigns of Cebuplus. I

believe in the honesty of their goals and motives.

Their utmost dedications to have these advocacy ful-

filled is what motivated me to stay in the program.

This also assures them of my full support.

results are confirmed, assessed them for eligibility into the ARV

Treatment Adherence Program as well as monitor treatment out-

comes for those who are already initiated for ARV treatment.

After the success of the first mobile VCT of Cebu-

plus Association, “Cebu Mobile Plus” or Megatron

as everyone calls it. Another new mobile mini--

van came in, “Responsible Youth on the move” or

they call him Bumblebee.

Funded by Robert Carr Civil Society Funds, in re-

membrance to Dr. Robert Carr from Jamaica,

whose passion for supporting vulnerable commu-

nities and protecting their human rights across

the world. As well as, Youth Leads, Inc. (YLI) a

pioneering non-profit organization committed to

the success of our youth. They work to enhance

the quality of life of each at-risk youth by teach-

ing them how to dream big and work hard to

achieve those dreams. They empower them with

smart tools to create a successful path in life for

themselves.

And in partnership with Responsible Young Peo-

ple (Re-You), the the official youth arm of Cebu

Plus Association, Inc. focusing on the HIV pre-

vention, and the promotion of care and support

for people living with HIV and their affected fami-

lies. RE-YOU is the breakthrough response to the

young people’s threat against STI and HIV.

R E S P O N S I B L E Y O U T H O N T H E M O V E , M O B I L E V C T


“LEARNING, SHARING & SERVING WHILE HAVING FUN” is

a very RE-You way of life. RE-YOU firmly believes that all

young people possessed enormous innate power and quali-

ties to transform their lives to become productive in the

various fields, and, as macro impact, become assets in the

community where they are a member of, and a partner in

nation building. However, young people nowadays are con-

tinued to be threatened with HIV infection and other conse-

quences brought by their risky behaviors.

The mobile VCTs will provide opportunity for hard-to-reach

groups, such as sex workers, drug injectors to know their

HIV status with proper education and quality counseling

support to cope up with negative or positive result.

Cebuplus Association is a leading NGO

which aim is to empower PLHIV, gearing

towards meaningful engagement in our

society. CPAI also provides TCS

(treatment, care & support). Psychoso-

cial support for PLHIV, and partners

with LGU and other sectors & networks

in positive prevention & lowers the

prevalence of HIV case in the country.

The Aim, Vision & Mission of the organi-

zation is clearly towards the betterment

of the society & it is evident in the or-

ganization’s work & practices. The or-

ganization has the heart and passion,

personnel's skilled enough in obtaining

the organization’s goal. That is why I

joined and be part of the organizations.

I will be taking the responsibility as a full-

time nurse for the organization under the

TCS program.

One of the recent experience I had with

the organization is going to Bureau of Jail

Management & Penology (BJMP) assist-

ing in Combined Anti-Retroviral Treat-

ment (CART) for PLHIV inmates, as well

as extracting blood samples from one of

the PLHIVs detainee for Laboratory Test-

ing Procedure.

S P E A K O U T !

“The organization has the heart & passion”

C E B U P L U S

Floyd Maldepeña

Department of Health 7 in partnership with

Cebuplus Assoiation conducted a Staff Devel-

opment & Enhancement Training last May 24

-26, 2013 at Soto Grande Hotel & Resort in

Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Employee Training and Development is es-

sential to the ongoing success of every or-

ganization. Employee training and develop-

ment enables employees to develop skills

and competencies necessary to enhance

bottom-line results for their organization.

C E B U P L U S S T A F F D E V E L O P M E N T & E N H A N C E M E N T T R A I N I N G

With the current issue of HIV/AIDS and its progression.

Anybody wants to get to know about it and its current situa-

tion.

So Miss Lou Anne Mae Rondina, reporter for GMA 7, Bali-

tang Bisdak, Cebu’s afternoon local news. Made an inter-

view with the people of Cebuplus, and Ms. Irish Arnado,

Admin & Finance Officer of Cebuplus.

Training started with a review about

Cebuplus Associations history, mission

and vision and its goals by Sir Jerson

See, included with its core values and

services. So as the new staffs and vol-

unteer would be refresh on all about

Cebuplus. Other resource person like

Dr. Ilya Tac-an from Social Hygiene

Clinic where in she gave the HIV 101,

quick review of who is, and who can be,

affected by HIV, how to prevent it, and

the importance of testing and medical

care and the referral system in the So-

cial Hygiene Clinic. Dr. Chamberlain

Agtuca of VSMM HAC Team, for ARV

Therapy and management, so as also

for the people who are not on the Treat-

ment, Care & Support Team can know

as well how ARV treatment work and

can explain it to possible clients.

Asking for the current situation and possible numbers present

and what are the possible modes of transmissions.

She also made an interview with a PLHIV.

The interview will result in increasing awareness to the local

public and who have seen the interview. Resulting to reduce

stigma and discrimination.


G M A 7 , ” B A L I T A N G B I S D A K , I N T E R V I E W

Staff Enhancement will help staff members learn about responsi-

bilities, develop required skills and competencies necessary to ac-

complish organizational goals and purposes, and grow personally

and professionally to prepare themselves for advancement in the

organization or beyond it.

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is very

important. It provides the opportunity for peo-

ple to know their HIV status with quality coun-

seling support to help them cope with a posi-

tive or a negative test result.

By knowing one’s positive result would help to

adapt a more healthier lifestyle that will im-

prove their health status and slow the progres-

sion into symptomatic full blow AIDS. And if

negative, it will serve as a strong motivating

factor to remain negative.

In knowing one’s status. Its really important to

undergo a quality counseling from DOH certi-

fied counselor.

So with this, Department of Health 7 National

Centre for Disease, Prevention and Control, Na-

tional HIV/AIDS, STI Prevention and Control Pro-

gram and in collaboration with Cebuplus Associa-

tion, a new set of trained counselors.

Trained by five master counselors; Celestino Ra-

mirez and Jason Encabo of Positive Action Foun-

dation of the Philippines (PAFPI), Dr. Ethel Dano,

consultant of World Health Organization (WHO) of

Metro Cebu, Dr. Abelardo Alera, the HIV AIDS

CORE TEAM (HACT) Leader of Vicente Sotto

Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) and Dr.

Jonathan Neil Erasmo, NASPCP Coordinator.

Five days training from June 24 - 28, 2013 at

Department of Health, Training Center. Partici-

pated by medical and non-medical staff from

private diagnostic clinics and hospital in Cebu

City. There are also participants from govern-

ment institutions and HAC Team.

Twenty-eight newly DOH certified counselors

successfully finish the training.

H I V C O U N S E L I N G T E S T I N G A N D T R A I N I N G B A T C H 4

C E B U P L U S

Caption describing picture or

graphic.

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.cebuplus.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cebuplus

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cebuplus

MAIN OFFICE:

Rm. 203 Cebu City Health Department

General Maxilom Ext. Cebu City, Cebu

Philippines 6000

(032) 260-5517

C O N T A C T U S

We are on the WEB

www.cebuplus.org

CEBU WELLNESS LOUNGE

Rm. 103 Cebu City Health Department

General Maxilom Ext. Cebu City, Cebu

Philippines 6000

(032) 511-7583

TREATMENT HUB

Cecap Bldg, Vicente Sotto Memorial

Medical Center

B. Rodriguez Ave. Cebu City

(032) 511-7586

TEMPORARY SHELTER

Blessed Martha Weicka, Halfway Home

Asilo De La Milagrosa, Gorordo Ave,

Cebu City Philippines 6000

cpai 2nd quarter issue

Documents

o t e s i s

r t e r i s s u e c

h i v o r i e n t

r e n e s s i n b r

e p e r f o r

cebu island

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y j u n e