18/05/2026
π―οΈβ¨ AIDS Candlelighting Ceremonial Celebration 2026
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
βLight the Legacy: Remember. Advance. Act. Keeping the Light Alive.β
This morning, May 18, 2026, the Local Government Unit of Calanasan stood in solidarity with the global community in commemorating the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and World AIDS Vaccine Day through a solemn and meaningful candlelighting ceremony.
More than a ceremony, it was a powerful moment of remembrance, hope, and renewed commitment β a moment to honor the lives lost to AIDS, to stand with people living with HIV, and to reaffirm that every life deserves dignity, compassion, protection, and access to care.
The program was highlighted by the inspiring message of Dr. Melchor B. Patal-e Jr., Municipal Health Officer, who emphasized that remembrance must not end in silence, but must move us toward meaningful and sustainable action. He underscored that the fight against STI, HIV, and AIDS must be grounded in science, compassion, public responsibility, and strong local governance.
A major milestone proudly emphasized during his message was the official passage of Project SHIELD as a permanent municipal ordinance. Guided by the national mandate of Republic Act No. 11166, also known as The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, and through the unwavering commitment of the Calanasan STI, HIV, and AIDS Council (C-SHAC), this landmark action strengthens Calanasanβs long-term response to STI, HIV, and AIDS.
Through the institutionalization of Project SHIELD, the municipality ensures sustained funding, continuity of services, and stronger implementation of strategic health interventions. It also supports the establishment of designated non-health facilities across the LGU as secure, accessible, and stigma-free safe spaces for STI-HIV-AIDS awareness, prevention, confidential access to condoms, and reliable testing services.
This milestone reflects a brighter and bolder vision for public health in Calanasan β one where protection is made accessible, information is made empowering, and health services are delivered without fear, shame, or discrimination.
Dr. Patal-e also reminded everyone that the work of preventing STI, HIV, and AIDS cannot rest on the health sector alone. It calls for a united and whole-of-community approach involving the local government, barangays, schools, families, partner agencies, community leaders, and every concerned citizen. When communities choose knowledge over misinformation, compassion over stigma, and action over fear, lives are protected and futures are saved.
The ceremony also featured a Moment of Silence and International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Prayer led by Ms. Verma Fe M. Agubo, followed by the solemn candlelighting activity participated in by the employees of the Local Government Unit of Calanasan, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other line agencies, including the Department of Health β Human Resources for Health, Department of Education, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
As candles were lit, they became more than symbols of remembrance. They became lights of hope, courage, solidarity, and shared responsibility β reminding us that even in the face of loss, the light of advocacy continues to burn.
As one LGU and one community, let us continue to remember, advance, and act. May we keep the light alive by building a Calanasan where every person is informed, protected, respected, and cared for β a healthier, safer, more compassionate, and HIV-free Calanasan.π©·π
