The Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP), the only professional liver society in the country that champions research, education and advocacy on liver health and liver-related diseases, hosted a gala and an art auction to benefit its flagship advocacy project, the B Aware Campaign, on 19 January 2017. B Aware Benefit Gala was held at the Atrium and Courtyard of Enderun Colleges.
The evening started with wine and cocktails as guests browsed the art pieces that were up for auction. The auction featured works by established and emerging Filipino artists – Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo, Aris Bagtas, Max Balatbat, Kris Brasileño, Marrz Capanang, Rafael Cusi, Daryl Dalipe, Alvin De Jesus, Vic Fario, Ronald and Jonnel Castrillo, Toym Imao, Jonn Laserna, Ram Mallari, Pierre Patricio, Rene Robles, Paulina Luz Sotto, Bea Tan, Edwin Wilwayco, among others. Bill Perez and Ver Cuison of Kunst Art Gallery curated the exhibit.
Dr. Ian Cua, current president of HSP, opened the event. He highlighted the need to spread awareness regarding Hepatitis B to the public.
“Being at the forefront of advocacy and the formulation of national policies on liver health and liver disease in the country, HSP aims to educate the general public, through its B Aware Campaign—by bringing to light the risk factors, health consequences, treatment and prevention of Hepatitis B via digital, print and broadcast media, and out of home advertising as well as by way of events,” said Cua.
Dr. Janus Ong, Public Relations oficer of HSP, introduced the B Aware Campaign and its story; how the campaign began with a Facebook page (BeAwarePH) in October 2014, followed by an informative website (www.beawareph.com). The online following has grown to over 10,000 followers; B Aware is poised to embark on a multimedia campaign in the coming months.
An important highlight of the evening was the B Aware Hero Awards, which aimed to honor individuals and organizations who contributed greatly to the B Aware Campaign and Hepatitis B awareness in the country. Among the B Aware Heroes is Baltazar Lucas, an advocate who lost three brothers to Hepatitis B complications. He is also a courageous Hepatitis B patient, and survivor of liver cancer and liver transplant. Another awardee is Dr. Roel Cagape, a Mindanao-based community doctor serving the B’laan tribe of Sarangani, whom he discovered to have a high prevalence of Hepatitis B infection. Other distinguished awardees were: Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines, a national organization of individuals living with viral hepatitis, and Gilead Sciences, a company committed to supporting community-based educational programs for awareness and disease prevention. World Health Organization, and the Department of Health were also recognized for their continued partnership with the HSP in its advocacy projects in Hepatitis B. Not present during the event was another awardee, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc, also a strong partner in the B Aware Campaign.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, was the guest of honor of the event. In her speech, she acknowledged the social stigma and discrimination that exists against those living with Hepatitis B.
“This is grossly unfair, to anyone. Sometimes, those who test positive for hepatitis have been unfairly denied employment. It is my firm conviction that all forms of social and psychological stigma need to stop and I am very open to push for legislation that protects the rights of individuals who fall victims to discrimination,” Hontiveros said.
For the evening’s entertainment, a shadow play group showcased stories inspired by battles against Hepatitis B—from a doctor and patient’s perspective. As a finale, one of the country’s foremost singer-songwriter, Ogie Alcasid entertained and enthralled the guests with some of his hit songs.
The event was graced by over 120 guests, many of them giving invaluable support by taking home beautiful pieces of art from the silent auction. The funds raised during the event will be used to fund future projects of the B Aware Campaign and HSP.
B Aware Benefit Gala was sponsored by Akari Lighting & Technology, Westmont, Armstrong Securities, Mechatrends, LLC Impact, SMA, SPR Boracay Real Estate, Inc., Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, and Mr. and Mrs. Sonny and Vivian Lim.
Niña Corpuz of ABS-CBN and Dr. Angelo Lozada of HSP were the hosts during the event.