By Lealina Evangeline A. Reyes
Red ribbons have been held on palms, pinned on shirts, drawn on papers, and photographed as the eye-catching subject against a monochromatic background. But these ribbons are not mere doodles or decorations — they are a symbol of solidarity, remembrance, and advocacy raised in support of people living with HIV.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system by targeting cells that help defend the body from infection. Spread through contact of bodily fluids by a carrier, the disease is one with no cure as of now. It builds its home in the human body, living as long as there is life in it. Without intervention and treatment, it leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV that threatens life itself.
In the Philippines, HIV has become a health crisis that sounds sirens. According to the Department of Health (DOH), 47% of new infections in 2024 came from younger populations aged 15-24.
Recognized as one of the Asian countries with the fastest-growing HIV epidemics, concrete steps must be urgently taken to prevent the dramatic increase of the virus and protect Filipinos, especially the youth.
The Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Health Committee raised a platform to address this health disaster through its initiative, Let’s Talk About HIV.
This event, taking place on Feb. 13, 2025, aims to address the rising cases of HIV by giving free testing services provided by the City Health Office of Dumaguete City. These services include the testing and screening process, referral, and counseling services. All of which are free of charge for everyone.
SUSG Health Committee Chairperson Frances Merlas said, “We are also going to be providing health education that focuses on HIV since there are a lot of misconceptions that have to be debunked”. She also ensured that the materials used will come from the city health office itself as information on this disease must come from a reliable source.
Asst. Prof. Rochie Cagara, an advocate for HIV awareness from the College of Nursing, shared that this advocacy started several years ago. It is composed of a mixed group of professionals who have come together under the purpose of preventing or stopping the spread of HIV in the city.
“About two years ago, Dumaguete was one of the areas where the cases of HIV infections have increased […] Some activities that the group has been involved with are intensifying screening, identifying cases of HIV, and encouraging them [HIV positive individuals] to undergo treatment,” Cagara said.
About 20 people from different municipalities have been trained to do counselling and screening for this advocacy. “The purpose, really, is to help those who might be sexually active to know their status because knowing their status will allow them to take appropriate action,” she added.
The process of HIV testing is one that is easy, quick, and utmost confidential.First, an individual must undergo pre-test counseling where a brief explanation of what the disease is, the availability of antiretroviral drugs, and the covenant of shared confidentiality will be given. Second is the testing itself wherein blood or oral fluid samples are taken to detect the presence of HIV. Third is the post-test counseling and the acquisition of the results.
The process of testing takes only 15-20 minutes but saves the lives of not only the individual found positive but also the people they share contact with.
For those who find themselves weary of private information being shared, Cagara ensured that confidentiality is a priority.
“The information is strictly between the tested and the tester. So we, as the organizers, have no access to any information,” stressed Shakerly Ereje, the project head and SUSG Health Committee vice chairperson.
Getting tested for this disease is a form of responsibility as well because a carrier may spread it without their knowledge. Anyone is vulnerable to HIV-AIDS and it is not just those who are sexually active.
“It could be med students and healthcare workers as it can be transmitted through needle stick injuries. That’s why we want to make sure that our Sillimanian community will not be part of those who are increasing the cases of HIV-AIDS,” shared Ereje.
Despite the availability of these avenues to become educated and screened, many still find themselves clouded with doubt on getting tested as stigma around HIV is rampant. This is the reason why it is not only a health issue but also a social one.
The discrimination towards people with the disease is the reason many live with it undetected and fear testing, as a positive result leads to negative actions and reactions toward them.
But Cagara assures that the group trained for testing has also been trained to emphasize over and over again to treat individuals alike.
Stigma around HIV leaves scars on people and creates fear on others. It strips them of their identity and a life of normalcy. So breaking the stigma is a priority everyone should take.
“As students, be responsible, get tested, and don’t be so judgmental,” said Merlas. This event is a “way to be more open-minded, to encourage inclusivity and a more welcoming and accepting Silliman community,” added Ereje.
Let’s Talk about HIV is an opportunity for Sillimanians to take control of their own health, allowing them to be more aware of the disease through its education campaign. It is an encouragement to be responsible and to get tested.
Solidarity, remembrance, and advocacy. These are the pillars of support that people living with HIV find solace in. It is our role to make them feel accepted and loved, to get checked, to prevent the spread of the disease, and to hold a red ribbon in our hands.
