A total of about 129 Filipino people living with HIV/AIDS have gathered last May 15-18 at The Grand Boulevard Hotel for the 2nd National Consensus of Filipino Living with HIV/AIDS. The consensus theme is entitled "Staying Alive: Revisiting and Listening". This national consensus is different from the first as PHAs were gathered together with their family members relatives and children. The activity is spearheaded by Positive Action Foundation, Philippines Inc.
The format of this year's consensus is different from the first consensus as distinguished plenary speakers from the positive community were invited to speak on their assigned topics. The consensus is divided into four themes namely: Access to treatment, Care and support, Partnership and self - acceptance. After each plenary speakers, the participants were divided into break out groups. Facilitators post questions and extracted their specific responses on the issues being raised. After the group work, plenary sessions followed and synthesis were made by the assigned moderators.
On the third day, all workshop participants had attended the celebration of the International Candlelight Memorial Celebration held at Rajah Sulayman Park Malate Manila were once again participants remember clients who have died from complications of AIDS. Guests who are Dr Zahidul Huque from UN Theme Group, Dr Arthur Jaucian, UNAIDS Country Advisor, Dr Rodherick Poblete, PNAC secretariat and Dr Gerry Bayugo who represents Dr Antonio Lopez of the Department of Health. Likewise the ceremony were attended by various NGO representatives to include members of Pinoy Plus Association and PAFPI. The Candlelight Celebration is spearheaded by the Remedios AIDS Foundation, Inc Community Support Center (CSC).
This 2nd national Consensus is headed by Mr Joshua Formentera President/CEO of PAFPI with support from the NGO community. Mr Laufred Hernandez as chair of the Organizing committee, Mr Reynaldo Imperial , chaired of the Documentation Committee and Dr Jojo Sescon, chaired the Workshop Committee.
This event is made possible through the generous support of the Ford Foundation, Inc.
