VM, councilors take HIV test

Davao City Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag together with seven city councilors got tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) yesterday, November 20, 2018, to help end stigma.

The activity is part of the celebration of HIV awareness of the World Aids Day on December 4, organized by the Olympus Society of Davao Inc., Davao City Aids Council (DCAC), Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) and Alagad Mindanao Inc. The councilors who get tested were Al Ryan Alejandre, Rene Elias Lopez, Melchor Quitain, Mary Joselle Villafuerte, Carmelo Clarion, Antonette Principe-Castrodes ,and Edgar Ibuyan Jr.

“Manawagan ko na kamo pud, mga katawhan sa Davao City na magpa-test pud aron mahibal-an nato (I am calling all the Dabawenyos to get tested also for you to know your status),” Clarion told reporters yesterday, right after HIV test. Councilor Antonette Principe-Castrodes also urged the public who are sexually active to get tested because of possible exposure on the infection.

“They should not be afraid to have HIV testing, kailangan they should know their status of their healthn para mawala yong,” Alejandre said.

“This is also to remove stigma about HIV and sa kadaghan sa ihap sa nag-positibo sa HIV, mas maayo nang kita, kabalo ta (This activity is also to remove stigma on HIV. There is a growing number of HIV positives today that is why we should know our status),” Principe-Castrodes said.

Villafuerte, on her part, said as an elected public servant, they should serve as an example to young people. /