Advocates launch Media Guide and ‘Visibility is Key’ Campaign Empowering Stories on HIV

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In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, a network of advocates on Wednesday launched a media guide on HIV that will help Filipino journalists and media outlets produce ‘truthful, empowering, and human rights-based’ reporting on the issue. HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus.

‘Empowered Stories: Media Guide on HIV Reporting’ contains up-to-date information about HIV in the Philippines as an effort to encourage members of the media to veer away from sensationalized reporting.

“Sensationalizing and assuming shame in HIV reporting prevent people from getting tested and availing treatment,” said Anastacio Marasigan, President of TLF SHARE Collective, Inc., one of the organizations behind the media guide.

 

In the latest data released by the Department of Health- Epidemiology Bureau, the country posted the fastest growing HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific region with a 418% change in new infections between 2010 and 2022 and 518% change in AIDS-related deaths between the same period. There are now an estimated 164,400 people living with HIV in the country and 24,400 new infections are estimated to be added in 2022 alone, and nearly half (47%) are among the youth ages 15-24 years old.

“Public conversations surrounding HIV should inform the public of the latest developments and equip them, especially the youth, with accurate information to protect themselves,” he added.

‘Visibility is Key’

The media guide is part of the larger ‘Visibility is Key’ campaign, together with a series of videos featuring PLHIVs from different backgrounds. “The campaign seeks to break down barriers by putting a spotlight on the lives of courageous individuals who have been living with HIV and leading the country’s HIV response,” said Dr. Louie Ocampo, Country Director of UNAIDS Philippines.

“Persons living with HIV can lead healthy and happy lives and can contribute to nation-building,” he added. “Highlighting their stories will dispel misconceptions, foster empathy, and create an environment of acceptance.”


Letting communities be seen and lead

Mara Quesada, Executive Director of Action for Health Initiatives, Inc. (ACHIEVE), said that it will be difficult to address the rising incidence of HIV in the country without the meaningful participation of affected communities in decision-making processes, including in development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HIV programs and services.

“Understanding the realities faced by affected communities helps ensure that the national HIV response is relevant and effective. It is time to let communities be seen and lead. It is time to change genres in storytelling about HIV from horror stories into stories of hope. We need a stronger stance against stigma and discrimination,” she added.

“Fostering a climate of openness for dialogue and education is the media’s unique contribution to achieving a world without AIDS by 2030,” Dr. Ocampo also said.



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DepEd, Go Negosyo link up to implement school garden project ‘Pampaaralang Taniman ng mga Agribida’

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation, Inc. - Go Negosyo on Monday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement a School Garden Project dubbed as the Pampaaralang Taniman ng mga Agribida (PTA).

Aimed at advancing entrepreneurship skills in agriculture among the Filipino youth, the PTA project will establish and institutionalize school gardens in public schools, focusing on the cultivation of short-duration, specific-location crops and commodities.

With private sector assistance, the partnership will also enable various Parent-Teacher Associations to take the lead in planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring the school gardens and encourage active participation of the learners.

During the ceremonial signing of the partnership, Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Education Sara Z. Duterte stressed that the country must instill innovative mindsets in the Filipino youth to achieve a truly progressive nation.

“We are excited about the partnership. We are excited for the children. It will develop a responsive curriculum for agribusiness and entrepreneurship. By incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities, we will help learners grasp theoretical concepts and foster and an entrepreneurial spirit,” VP-Sec. Duterte said.

The MOA between DepEd and Go Negosyo also have other program components, including Curriculum Integration for Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Education, Mentoring the Mentors Session, Youthpreneur Mentorship Programs, Stakeholder Partnerships, Showcase Agribusiness Events, and Self-liquidating Activity (Adopt-a-School Program).

“It is in education that I think we can make a big difference, and I’m calling your support. 

And this time, let’s help the Department of Education through our Vice President Sara to help, teach, and inspire our students to be the next entrepreneurs,” Go Negosyo Founder and Private Sector Advisory Council Lead for Jobs Sector Joey Concepcion noted.

DepEd highlights learner rights and protection measures in 2023 NCM culmination

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To culminate the celebration of National Children’s Month (NCM), the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday highlighted its significant measures in championing Learner Rights and Protection. 

In her keynote speech, Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of DepEd underscored the importance of providing children with safe space, which is vital in their development. 

“Today, we conclude the observation of National Children’s Month, reminding us that we are tasked to provide our children with a safe, nurturing, and loving life that allows them to play, learn, and grow into responsible, productive, and well-rounded individuals," VP-Secretary Duterte said. 

“This task is binding and requires our will, commitment, and a strong sense of unity of purpose as a community of elected leaders, policy makers, educators, advocates, development partners, business development supporters, and parents all working together to champion Filipino Children," she added.

Meanwhile, the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) launched the Learners Helpline Jingle and Theme Song titled Karapatan ng Kabataan: Kilalanin, Iparating, Itaguyod.

The jingle aims to introduce the mandates of the LTCCH and ensure easy recall of helpline numbers to learners, parents, and stakeholders. 

Atty. Suzette Gannaban-Medina, OIC-Director of the LRPO, presented the Learner Rights and Protection Policy, which is the enhanced version of DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, including recent laws and issuances in relation to learner protection.

She also discussed the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Safe Spaces Act in Basic Education, a measure to ensure a positive and safe learning environment free from gender-based violence, especially gender-based sexual harassment.

Moreover, Atty. Gannaban-Medina explained the Protocols on the Handling of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC) Learners, which shall guide all DepEd personnel and stakeholders on the appropriate handling and treatment of CSAC learners, ensuring the protection of all our learners in times of armed conflict.

The NCM culmination was attended by partner-organizations and allies for learner rights and protection advocacies.