The Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI) was established in September 1998 following a needs assessment on HIV care and support attended by 20 concerned individuals, including Joshua C.T. Formentera, the organization’s Founder and Founding Chairman Emeritus. Inspired by the urgent need to improve access to care, treatment, and support for people living with HIV (PLHIV), these pioneers established PAFPI as a community-led organization dedicated to advocacy, empowerment, and compassionate service.
Since its establishment, PAFPI has been committed to empowering people living with HIV to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives within a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive society. Through advocacy, education, care, and support services, the organization continues to strengthen the national response to HIV by addressing the needs of individuals and families affected by HIV.
PAFPI firmly believes that people living with HIV must play a central role in shaping policies, programs, and services that affect their lives. This principle of meaningful involvement remains the foundation of the organization’s advocacy, leadership, and community development initiatives.
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Over the years, PAFPI has earned the trust and confidence of communities, partners, and funding organizations through its direct involvement in HIV care and support. The organization takes pride in being led by people with lived experience—many of its staff, volunteers, and board members are themselves living with HIV.
One of PAFPI’s proudest achievements has been empowering volunteers to become project staff and community leaders, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to building sustainable leadership from within the HIV community.
PAFPI also successfully organized the First, Second, and Third National Consultation Processes with People Living with HIV and convened the First National Consensus Meeting of Filipinos Living with HIV. These milestones led to the adoption of the Manila Manifesto of Filipinos Living with HIV/AIDS, which continues to guide the organization’s advocacy, policy engagement, and strategic planning.
Championing Access to Life-Saving Treatment
For more than two decades, Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI) has been a leading advocate for equitable access to life-saving HIV treatment and care in the Philippines. PAFPI played a key role in advocating for free access to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for Filipinos living with HIV through partner national governments and the Philippine Congress. This landmark achievement has transformed thousands of lives by making life-saving treatment accessible to individuals who would otherwise face significant financial barriers to care.
PAFPI has been an instrument to free Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) for HIV in the Philippines.
Recognizing that sustainable access to treatment requires strong health policies, PAFPI also took the initiative in 2005 to advocate for the institutionalization of the PhilHealth Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package, which was approved through PHILHEALTH CIRCULAR No. s-2010. This advocacy contributed to the approval and implementation of a national health financing mechanism that helps cover the cost of essential HIV treatment and related outpatient services.
Today, the PhilHealth Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment Package continues to provide long-term financial support for Filipinos living with HIV, including children, helping ensure continued access to essential healthcare while reducing the financial burden on individuals and families.
These advocacy milestones reflect PAFPI’s enduring commitment to advancing policies that protect the rights, health, and well-being of people living with HIV. Beyond providing direct services, the organization continues to work with government agencies, healthcare institutions, civil society organizations, and community partners to strengthen the national HIV response and promote universal access to quality HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
However, access to medication alone is not enough. Many people living with HIV continue to face stigma, discrimination, family rejection, and economic hardship. Recognizing these challenges, PAFPI remains committed to providing comprehensive support that extends beyond medical care.
However, access to medication alone is not enough. Many people living with HIV continue to face stigma, discrimination, family rejection, and economic hardship. Recognizing these challenges, PAFPI remains committed to providing comprehensive support that extends beyond medical care.
Shelter, Care, and Community Support
For more than 25 years, PAFPI has provided temporary shelter and essential support services to thousands of vulnerable individuals living with HIV and their families.
Its Abot-Kamay Drop-in Center (AK) and Bahay Kanlungan (BK) serve as safe spaces and halfway homes for individuals undergoing treatment, recovering from illness, or rebuilding their lives. These facilities offer temporary accommodation, psychosocial support, counseling, and access to vital health services.
The centers have assisted a diverse range of beneficiaries, including:
- Families with children affected by HIV
- Returning and deported Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
- Individuals from provinces who need to travel to urban centers for HIV treatment and medical consultations
- Newly diagnosed individuals requiring guidance, counseling, and support
Beyond shelter, these centers also serve as venues for HIV education, treatment literacy, skills training, seminars, peer support, and one-on-one counseling.
Looking Ahead
As HIV cases continue to rise in the Philippines, the demand for PAFPI’s services continues to grow. The organization remains committed to expanding access to care, reducing stigma and discrimination, strengthening community support systems, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its shelters and programs.
