19/05/2026
๐๐๐ฏ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ
In solidarity with the global fight against HIV and AIDS, the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), in collaboration with the Department of Health โ Center for Health Development Davao, the Provincial Health Office of Davao del Norte, and the City Health Office of Tagum, spearheaded the observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) 2026 with the theme, โLight the Legacy: Remember. Advance. Act.โ
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is one of the worldโs oldest grassroots movements for HIV awareness, first held in 1983 in San Francisco and New York City. The annual observance serves as a platform to remember lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses, honor advocates and healthcare workers, and strengthen collective action toward ending stigma and advancing HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services.
This yearโs observance commenced with a solemn candlelight walk from Rotary Park, Tagum City to the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center, participated in by members of the Tagum City STI/HIV/AIDS Council (TCSHAC), colleges and universities, hospitals, private organizations, and companies united in support of the HIV advocacy movement.
The program proper was held at the Hermigildo C. Baloyo, MD Hall of the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center. It formally opened with a message from City Health Officer Dr. Arnel R. Florendo, RMT, represented by Dr. Mary Trishia V. Tabigue.
Messages of support were also delivered by Dr. Bryan O. Dalid, MAHA, Medical Center Chief II of DRMC, represented by Dr. Jasmin N. Dela Cruz, Pediatric Infectious Disease Consultant; Department of Health OIC Regional Director Dr. Ellenietta HMV N. Gamolo, MPH, represented by Dr. Mark Timothy Santos, STI/HIV and AIDS Program Manager of DOH Davao; Ms. Mae Gonzales, MAEd, RN of the Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines; and Tagum City Councilors Hon. Ciara Isabelle U. Salazar and Hon. Leo Revita.
Keynote speaker Ms. Leilani Kristi B. Cobrado, RN of the Provincial Health Office discussed the increasing number of HIV infections in the country, emphasizing that an average of 47 new HIV cases are recorded daily in the Philippines, bringing the cumulative national total to 163,454 HIV cases since 1984.
Meanwhile, Ms. Alexandra Montojo, LPT, REDSTAR Clinic Case Manager, shared her heartfelt experiences as a treatment partner and the challenges of communicating with patients interrupted to care or lost-to-follow-up. She also highlighted the best practices of the REDSTAR Clinic in patient retention through intensive treatment adherence counseling and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
The activity was further enlivened by a moving dance performance from the Synchrony Dance Crew of Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc., followed by the Candlelight Rationale delivered by Ms. Rae Katherine Apura, RN, and a reflection and prayer led by DRMC Chaplain Rev. Fr. Hernan M. Reyes, DCT.
The meaningful gathering concluded with the community singing of โSeasons of Loveโ and a closing message from Dr. Mitzie Lou C. Osabel, DRMC HACT Chairman, expressing gratitude to all partners and participants who contributed to the success of the event and reaffirming the call for continued support for the HIV Program.
Through this yearโs observance, participating organizations once again strengthened the collective commitment to remember those affected by HIV and AIDS, advance evidence-based interventions, and act with compassion toward a stigma-free and healthier community.
