2007 AIDS Candlelight in the Philippines

The Philippines held its 24th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) last Friday, 25 May, 6:00-9:00 pm, at the Unibersidad de Manila, City of Manila.

The IACM is one of the largest and oldest grassroots mobilization campaigns for AIDS awareness in the world. It occurs every year in May and is meant to remember those who have died of AIDS and honour all those who have been affected by it. It is likewise an opportunity to raise community awareness towards decreasing stigma and discrimination related to AIDS, educate people about AIDS, create community dialogues and influence policy makers about prevention, treatment care and support.

This year's commemoration, under the global theme of "Leading the Way to a World Without AIDS", were jointly organized by the Department of Health - NCR, radio station DZMM and the Girls, Women and HIV/AIDS Network (GWHAN).

The program:
I. Invocation - Lunduyan Foundation
II. Welcome remarks - Mayor Lito Atienza (Representative)
III. Acknowledgment of participants and guests - Masters of Ceremony (from DWRR)
IV. Key Message - Sec. Francisco Duque (Representative)
V. Lotus Ceremony (ceremonial unfolding of the AIDS memorial quilts) - Pinoy Plus Association
VI. Inspirational Songs while forming human red ribbon - Arnie and Jeffrey Hidalgo (ABS-CBN artist)
VII. Lighting of candles - Sec. Duque's Representative with affected family member
VIII. Offering of flowers of love - Sec. Duque's Representative with affected family member
IX. Prayer - Parish Priest of Quiapo Church
X. Message from person living with HIV - representative from Babae Plus
XI. Releasing of white balloons - Sec. Duque's Representative

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