Olongapo City”•In response to the growing number of human immunodeficiency virus cases in the city, the Junior Chamber International Olongapo chapter and the local government, through the city health office, have successfully staged the Red Dot campaign.
The program aims to stop the stigma on HIV testing, focusing on ways how to prevent the disease by increasing awareness among young people.
Dr. Cynthia Mendoza of the city health office shared the reasons on why people engage in risky sexual behavior and gave the audience a medical background about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Alona Ongue, Project Chair of Red Dot shared: “We are thankful to all our partners for making this event a success. A problem as big as HIV requires our concerted effort as a community, and we are very happy to see you onboard.”
“Red Dot aims to put a dot on this health crisis by tackling it with a multi-stakeholder approach. JCI Olongapo hopes to bring this awareness not only of the problem, but also of our shared solutions,” said Oscar Abrajano Jr., President of JCI Olongapo.
JCI Olongapo Executive Vice President Rionyl Cercado shared: “As a campaign, we wanted to appeal to young people and asked the support of influencers whom we are proud to call Red Dot Ambassadors including Judie Flores (Miss Olongapo), Anthony Fababier, Edlen Laurino-Marfal, Andrew Salburo, Dr. Cynthia Mendoza, SK Federation President and Councilor Rodman Barroga, and Councilor Kaye Legaspi.”
Free HIV counselling and testing can be availed through the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, the Olongapo City Health Office, and the local barangay health centers.
The program is supported by the Olongapo City local government, city health office, city tourism office, Barangay Barretto, Ayala Harbor Point Mall, RP Energy, Olistica Spa, Circle J Store, Blushing Gifts, Samba Bluewater Resort, and El Molina Beach Resort.
Other program supporters are Inflatable Island, Lakbay Museo, Zoobic Safari, Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Princess Cut Couture, Zugba Grill, James O’ Briant, Desie Yambao, Bebeth Marzan, Tet Marzan, Subic Broadcasting Corp., Aksyon Bandera FM, and 89.5 Subic Bay Radio, among others.