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| The City Government of Tacloban and the Tacloban City Population Office and City Youth Development Office conducted an HIV/AIDS Awareness Trainer's Training at the Tacloban City Hall North Extension. |
The City Government of Tacloban, through the Tacloban City Population Office and City Youth Development Office, conducted an HIV/AIDS Awareness Trainer's Training at the Tacloban City Hall North Extension on February 18, 2023. The event was well-attended by young participants who were reminded of the importance of protecting themselves against HIV/AIDS.
The event featured several guest speakers, including NTF-ELCAC Assistant Regional Director Alvin Devaras and Operations Research Officer Vincent Cales. They shared insights on the dangers of getting involved with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army (CPP/NPA), encouraging youth to focus on education instead.
Population Office Program Worker II Ronan Joseph M. Lim, a DOH-accredited HIV counselor, also reminded the participants of the risks associated with pre-marital sex, one of the leading causes of HIV transmission. Lim clarified that consuming powdered soap is not a cure for HIV and emphasized the importance of antibiotics in treating the symptoms of the disease.
The training aims to equip the youth with the knowledge and skills to conduct a roll-out activity every Saturday from March to December to promote HIV awareness in various barangays. The coaches of the program, AHD Program Coordinators Jemima Kezzia T. Dalore, and Arlito Solano Jr., together with members of the Tacloban Peer Educators Association, Arthur Rafael, Samuel Sabido, and Cyril Panugot, will help these young trainers tackle the sensitive topic with their peers.
The activity successfully encouraged the young participants to engage in open and honest dialogue about the different challenges they face in their daily lives. The trainers also emphasized the importance of mental health and encouraged the youth to seek help when needed.
Through this training, the City Government of Tacloban hopes to create a more informed and empowered youth population better equipped to deal with the challenges of modern life. —iTacloban (Source: TCIO)