KORONADAL CITY— As part of its intensified HIV awareness and prevention campaign, the Department of Health–Region 12 (DOH-12) provided free HIV testing and distributed condoms during the T’nalak Festival celebration in South Cotabato. The Department of Health – Region 12 (DOH-12) rolled out a free HIV testing and condom distribution drive during the celebration, offering a safe, judgment-free space for people to take charge of their sexual health.
“One of the best ways to end the stigma is to normalize the HIV testing, so we need to start talking about it,” Vaugn August Laboy, the Regional Program Officer, emphasized.
With a target reach of 500 individuals, the initiative focused on key populations of 400 men who have sex with men (MSM) and 100 transgender individuals. The goal was to test at least 430 people, including 350 men who have sex with men (MSM), 80 transgender individuals and 300 young key population members, many of whom are just beginning to understand the importance of HIV awareness.
“Aside from the reason of having high cases of HIV in the Philippines, one of the reasons is to seize the chance that people are open to this kind of campaign, that they are already aware,” he added. Set up at Alunan Avenue and Rizal Park, the testing stations welcomed festivalgoers as young as 18 years old, with trained counsellors providing guidance and support before and after the tests.
Aside from testing, DOH-12 also introduced 50 individuals to the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) program, which helps protect HIV-negative people who are at high risk.
Free condoms were given to encourage safer sex practices, and many were surprised and grateful for the warm, stigma-free approach of the health workers.
“This is the perfect time for us because of the presence of the people, it’s free, and even though it’s in the open area, they ensure that there is still confidentiality,” Laboy said.
DOH-12’s campaign is part of its broader mission to reduce HIV infections in the region, with outreach efforts designed to meet people where they are emotionally. As the T’nalak Festival celebrates the rich culture and unity of South Cotabato, the DOH-12 reminds everyone that part of honouring life is protecting it through education, awareness, and free, accessible healthcare.
