Local measures vs STIs mulled

BACOLOD City – Some members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) are proposing the passage of an ordinance promulgating policies and measures for the prevention, treatment, care, and support of sexually transmitted infection (STI), human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in this city.

The proposed measure, aims to strengthen the Bacolod City Local Aids Council (BCLAC) by appropriating funds and providing penalties for its violations. It also repeals City Ordinance No. 468, Series of 2008.

To be known as t he “Bacolod City Comprehensive STI, HIV, and AIDS Prevention and Control Ordinance,” the proposed ordinance hurdled the first reading during the SP’s regular session last week.

With this, the city shall establish policies and programs to prevent the spread of STI, HIV, and AIDS and deliver treatment, care, and support services to persons living with HIV in accordance with evidence-based strategies and approaches that follow the principles of human rights, gender equality, and meaningful participation of communities affected by the epidemic, among others.

The BCLAC will ensure that the implementation of the city’s response to the local situation is aligned with national policies and targets.

It will also be the lead, oversight, advisory, coordinative, and monitoring and evaluation body of related policies, plans, programs, and activities, unless otherwise prohibited, defined, and penalized under Republic Act No. 11166, otherwise known as the Philippine Aids Prevention and Control Act of 1998./

Ambulant vendors trading on the streets of Bacolod City were reminded to observe the allowed spaces and schedules based on a local ordinance. Photo shows a line of makeshift stalls in the city’s downtown area taken yesterday morning.