Bar owners asked to help gov’t on anti-HIV program
ANGELES
CITY --- Leaders of Barangay Balibago in this entertainment capital of Central Luzon have asked bar owners to help the local government in addressing the problem on sexuallytransmitted diseases (STDs) like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Rodelio “Tony” Mamac, chairman of Barangay Balibago, said they conducted a seminar on HIV-AIDSand STD Awareness last Thursday to solicit the participation of the bar owners and managers in the progr am.
Dr. Lenario T. Santos, Angeles City Health Officer, disclosed during the seminar that the city government is monitoring the spread of virus.
The City Health Office, together with the Department of Health (DOH) is also responsible in handling the patients and their treatment.
The City Health Office has monitored several cases involving bar girls with STDs like gonorrhea, genital warts and others, according to Sant os.
Mamac asked the bar owners and manager to report the cases in order to help the local government in the monitoring.
The village chief also clarified that the Jesse Robredo Hygiene and Wellness Center (JRWC), which is being run by the barangay, is government institution.
Mamac belied claims by some city officials that the JRHWC is a private clinic.
“It is a government institution because it was created by virtue of a barangay ordinance and it was approved by the city council,” Mamac sai d.
All government social hygience clinic, including the Balibago hygiene and wellness center, are now
called Reproductive Health and Welness Center as stated in the recent memorandum issued by the DOH, according to Mamac.
The city government, through a city council ordinance, no longer allow private clinics to conduct medical examination and smear or cervical screening test for the bar workers.