By OFELIA EMPIAN
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — “Many lights for human rights.” This is the theme of this year’s international aids candlelight memorial and the city joined the whole world commemorate the said event.

The activity was lead by the AIDS Watch Council (AWAC) with government and non-government agencies.

The participants and guests who wore red shirts were welcomed by Dr. Charles L. Cheng, the president of AWAC, during the activity.

“Let this be a collective call of action from these different groups to help fight the spread of AIDS in the city,” said Evelyn Trinidad, City Director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

She stated that the information dissemination regarding AIDS should be further strengthened for people to be better informed of how to prevent the deadly disease.

The highlight of the activity was the candlelighting ceremony, wherein the participants and guests held hands and formed a “human ribbon” in the center of malcolm square while Fr. Alipio prayed for the AIDS victims and their families, the community, and the participants of the event.

“May this cause comfort for men and women and unite them with a common cause,” Fr. Alipio prayed.

After the prayer, the people lit their candles and placed them in the big white ribbon drawn on the ground.

The event ended with the pledge of commitment from the participants and signed in the tarpauline provided by the Department of Health.

Participants included the City Health Office (CHO), Philippine Association of Medical Technologist (PAMET), Metropolitan Community Church (Metro Baguio), Double O Disco Club, Club Myles and other different government and non government agencies, media outfits, and clubs and bars in the city.

The international aids candlelight memorial is on its 27th year, which aims to “remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS, to support those living with HIV and affected by its impact, and to move communities to action,” according to the international aids candlelight memorial press release. The Philippines is considered as one of the oldest host of the candlelight memorial.

“Let us declare a total war against AIDS,” Ms. Trinidad declared.# nordis.net