QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- Philippine Information Agency will join the world and lead all the government agencies in remembering those we have lost to HIV and AIDS.

On Monday, May 8, PIA officials and employees will observe the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial as a tribute to those who died because of AIDS and as reverence to devoted men and women to end HIV. This is also to show support to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their families.

The solemn lighting of candles in the PIA Central Office façade which will be adorned with a ceremonial red ribbon will be followed by an HIV Awareness Seminar at the PIA Auditorium. There will be a series of lectures as well as other activities including voluntary HIV testing, condom distribution, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescriptions during the day.

Expected guests to grace the event is Department of Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Beverly Ho, Project Red Ribbon President Mr. Ico Johnson, DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Dr. Roland Sardan, representatives from Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., representatives from the PLHIV community, and other Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) members and secretariat.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is observed every May annually as part of the comprehensive and integrated HIV and AIDS prevention and control program. (KSAA – PIA CPSD)