- Rogeselle Burdeos Monton – HIV Program Manager – Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc.

In support of this year's International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM), TDFI extended its support through the generosity of PEPFAR, USAID, and the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control Grant in the Philippines. The support was provided to the Local Government of Makati City and the Makati Health Department to hold a momentous, remarkable, and timely event.

TDFI was founded by Dr. Thelma Tupasi in 1984, the same year when the first Filipino was diagnosed with HIV. Since then, TDFI's mission has been clear: to control the spread of infectious diseases in the country.

Since 1984, HIV has posed a significant threat to the lives of every Filipino. According to the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, as of April 2023, the Philippines have recorded a total of 6,575 reported deaths, with 43% of them from the Young Key Populations (15-24 y/o).

The Philippines have consistently participated in commemorating those who have died of AIDS through the IACM. The event takes place every third Sunday of May each year, serving as a reminder of the many lives lost to AIDS and honoring the individuals, health workers, and advocates who have dedicated their lives to helping PLHIVs, affected family members, and the country's response to the epidemic.

Under the 2023 IACM theme, "Spread Love and Solidarity, not Stigma and Fear," the message resonated throughout the University of Makati (UMak) grounds, where the event was attended by approximately 400 UMak students, including those from the College and Senior High School. The event commenced at 1 o'clock in the afternoon with an open house, where partner organizations exhibited their distinct campaigns in the HIV Program. Each booth offered activities such as HIV prevention, testing, PrEP initiation, stigma reduction through the arts, transgender visibility, and faith-based campaigns in the HIV program. TDFI facilitated basic education on HIV/AIDS through interactive learning games.

At exactly 4 o'clock, the official program began with an invocation by the University of Makati Chorale, followed by the entrance of colors and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

The event was graced by high officials from the Local Government of Makati City. Makati City Vice

Mayor Hon. Monique Yazmin Lagdameo delivered a message of solidarity, inspiring all attendees with her commitment to the community on behalf of the Makati City Government. Council Member and SK Federation President of Makati City, along with the National SK Federation Vice-President, Hon. Rodulfo "Dudong" San Pedro, also attended and inspired the young population with their messages of commitment.

Continuing the program, people living with HIV advocates shared their testimonies, shedding light on their daily struggles with HIV stigma and discrimination in their journey through life.

At exactly 6 o'clock in the evening, the event transitioned to the ceremonial unrolling of the candlelight memorial red ribbon cloth and the lotus ceremony. The AIDS Memorial Quilts were unfolded, symbolizing the commemoration of the lives lost to AIDS. This was followed by a solidarity prayer and candle lighting ceremony.