On December 5, 2019 he was invited by the Department of Education Makati to give a lecture on HIV and share his experience in front of students taking Alternative Learning System or ALS courses. According to the Republic of the Philippines’ Department of Education:“ALS is a parallel learning system which provides an alternative for those who did not have the chance to attend and finish formal basic education to gain both non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.”

Education in general is both a privilege and a right. It is PAFPI’s duty and pleasure to educate people to protect their health and future especially the younger generation who are currently affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. HIV prevention starts from having the knowledge if a person is at risk by evaluating his sexual behavior and possible exposure to the virus through sharing of infected needles, blood/blood products and mother-to-child transmission. Education also comes in the form of a story shared by a person who went through a rough process and confronted it with strength and guidance from an empowering support system.

Formerly a recipient of services provided by MAC AIDS Fund through PAFPI’s Glam For Life Project, Moses Ayuha is now a service provider working as a Community Outreach Worker who helped countless lives in their journey to a healthier recovery. When asked by peers what keeps him strong and motivated to help people who are living with HIV, the only answer he’ll provide is how MAC AIDS Fund and PAFPI’s Partnership shaped him to gain the strength needed in a life full of uncertainty.

What made an impact to the attendees of this activity is how human connection was celebrated despite the negative image of Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV and AIDS related Opportunistic Infections. Attendees saw first hand how lying on a hospital bed all day and night will test a person’s faith, hope and ability to cope with the harsh realities of life paired with HIV and the worst thing that could happen to a person when left untreated by Antiretroviral Medication or ARV.

San Lazaro Hospital gladly open its door to the attendees of the immersion by showing them how the proceeds of the MAC AIDS Fund’s Viva Glam Lipstick improve the lives of people who are affected by and infected with HIV. One of the MAC Makeup Artists who attended the activity was left with tears as she explains how devastated she was after seeing the situation of people who are admitted at the hospital, but was also encouraged to work hard as she now know that MAC Cosmetics really do change lives one lipstick at a time.

This is the true power of people working together to provide the utmost love, care and support needed by people who are living with HIV, their significant others and affected families to prove that humanity exist to fulfill a bond higher than words – the act of kindness. 

“Your tears is the connection to their hope.” – Brother Lito, San Lazaro Hopsital HIV Counselor and DOH HIV Master Trainer

Fast forward to the present time, most of us are now aware that everyone is at risk if we don’t have access to proper information, testing and an open minded support system. A person who is infected with HIV not only goes through an emotional crisis, but mental issues as well leading to self stigma. Discrimination starts from a person’s perception of how he or she sees himself or herself. If a person is empowered, he or she will face the reality of his or her situation and learns how to manage the consequences of his or her actions. While a person who thinks the world is against him or her will experience the manifestation of his perception: either real or perceived.

This is the reason why Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. or PAFPI, an organization dedicated on providing support for people who are either affected by or infected with HIV, believes in the importance of  enabling a positive support system. One of the most obvious and simple way to do this is through verbal or written encouragement and affirmations that life paired with HIV is not a death sentence.

Staff and volunteers from PAFPI were lucky enough to participate with representatives from MAC Cosmetics Philippines on December 2, 2019 to show how wonderful life is by learning calligraphy and making Christmas cards received as gifts by People Living with HIV admitted in San Lazaro Hospital on December 4, 2019. These cards which are full of positive words, messages and encouragements is a simple way to show to people living with HIV admitted in San Lazaro Hospital that life is worth living for – that there is life beyond the confines of a hospital bed. 

PAFPI is a non-government organization founded in 1998 by Joshua Formentera, an HIV advocate and a person living with HIV for more than 20 years, together with individuals who are HIV positive and HIV negative as well. The organization dedicated in helping people who are living with HIV, their significant others and affected families was later registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC in 1999.

The stories you’ll be sharing will not only focus on your experience with Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV alone, but will also include stories concerning issues faced by adolescents and young people especially mental health issues like depression and suicide or your general viewpoint of HIV and/or AIDS.

Together, let’s provide a place for your stories and the people you love a platform to be heard, be informed or educate. PAFPI believes in driving a supportive environment to empower people who are either affected by or infected with HIV – the change starts with you.

Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. or PAFPI, a non-government organization helping people who are either affected by or infected with HIV, believes on the importance of making a person or a client heard by providing a supportive environment. The role of HIV Counselors contribute to the organization’s goal to gain partnership with local and international stakeholders by training people with or without a medical background. The only requirement PAFPI is looking for is their thirst and hunger to help People who are Living with HIV (PLHIV), their affected families, significant others, and people who want to know their HIV status.

PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THE QUALITY OF A LIFE INFECTED WITH HIV AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THAT LIFE

There are two benefits brought by proper and continuous Antiretroviral medication. Tangible benefits such as increased CD4 count, undetectable viral load count and protection from opportunistic infections such as Tuberculosis and Pneumonia.

However there are intangible benefits that we sometimes overlook: the quality of living a life free from the burdens and consequences of a weak immune system.

The chance to continue investing in our passions and the things that feeds our soul. The chance to contribute to society by being a productive member of the community. The chance to be an example for other people who are going through the same journey. The chance to end the epidemic.

And the most important is the chance to protect and preserve the quality of a life infected with HIV (RICH or POOR) and the people who love that life.

The people who will help them gain their self worth. The people who will embrace them in times of difficult situations. The people who will hold their hand and say to them: ‘this treatment is not only for you, but for me as well so we can work together in helping you live a normal, happy and productive life.’ #Treatment4All

The Municipality of Alabel is the capital of Sarangani Province located in Region 12: formerly known as Central Mindanao before it was branded as SOCCSKSARGEN. South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos are the provinces comprising the SOCCSKSARGEN Region tagged by its Department of Tourism (DOT) using the hashtag #HelloParadise.

In an interview made by Minda News to DOT Region 12 Director Nelly Nita Dillera on February 9, 2015, Dillera described the Province of Sarangani as: “A utopia in its modest version where communities are a mixture of old and new, where tribal groups live harmoniously with urban folks and where tradition and cultures all celebrated all-year-round.”

According to The Department of Health’s Epidemiology Bureau, Region 12 contributes 6%(around 65 HIV Positive individuals) of the 1,092 newly diagnosed cases in May 2019 – a noticeable leap from 1% (around 8 HIV Positive individuals) of the 840 newly diagnosed cases in April 2019. In an article written by Ma. Teresa Montemayor on the website of Philippine News Agency on June 13, 2019 containing statements from Mary Joy Morin, Technical Officer of the Department of Health, Morin stated: “We are in fact the highest in HIV increase rate in the Asia Pacific Region.”

The increase in the newly diagnosed cases of HIV in Region 12 may seem bothering at first thought, but we have to consider that one of its provinces, Sarangani, has been contributing their efforts in HIV Awareness with it’s capital, Alabel, celebrating World AIDS Day since 1988 as written on the official website of Sarangani Province. It is possible that the increase in the newly diagnosed cases of HIV in the province is a result of their efforts on HIV Awareness by providing accessibility to HIV Information, Education and Testing.

Sarangani is dedicated in promoting Adolescent Health and HIV Testing through their health caravan and other projects and activities focussed on health services. Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. or PAFPI supplemented their efforts by training peer educators or Adolescent Community Enablers or ACEs in its capital, Alabel, on April 2019. This project that is funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant will also help their Local Government Unit (LGU) in drafting two ordinances on October 2019 – a Multisectoral HIV and AIDS Council and an Adolescent Health and Development Program Council.

Sarangani may be located in the southernmost part of the Philippine Archipelago with its capital, Alabel, classified as a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area or GIDA, but the data on the increase of HIV Prevalence in Region 12 may indicate that people from this area are leading the way to a healthier future by being aware on the importance of knowing your health status by undergoing HIV Testing.

According to the Department of Health, one of the reasons why the number of newly diagnosed cases of HIV in the country is rising is due to increasing campaigns and efforts on HIV Information, Education and Testing from various private and public sectors in the country including non-government organizations like PAFPI. This is also the reason why PAFPI is continuously investing in projects and activities geared towards protecting the lives of Filipinos affected by and infected with HIV.

Sarangani is indeed a PARADISE where the health of their constituents is prioritized through projects protecting both the elderly and the younger generation. Living in a community where your health is being protected is one of the ingredients in sustaining a harmonious breathing environment – like an eagle being freed from the burdens of a caged environment.

Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc.or PAFPI is now accepting reservations and inquiries for the 21^st Batch of HIV Counseling to Testing Training scheduled on NOVEMBER 5 to 8, 2019 – four days.

This four-day training is based on a series of lectures and activities approved by the Republic of the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) focusing on the quality of Pre-Test and Post-Test HIV Counseling facilitated by DOH Certified HIV Master Counselor/s.

After completing the training course, participants will receive a DOH Approved Certificate to provide HIV PRE-TEST and POST-TEST COUNSELING.

“There are 365 days in one year and 24 hours in a day.”

You start your day either with a breakfast or a nice shower, then head off to work or get out of your house to start the day. In the minutes between preparing and contemplating what to do, what to wear, what to eat, and where to go: little thoughts penetrate your mind with either a positive or a negative undertone. Before you leave the house you expect deadlines crossing your way and weather forecast affecting the flow of traffic and your travel time going to work. Arriving at your workplace demands you to fulfill tasks and squeeze them until lunch. The next set of responsibilities comes running after you even before the food in your stomach starts to digest. You suddenly realized it’s almost time to face the rush of commuters or slow moving traffic hoping you’ll get home safe and a much needed sleep, but your alarm went off – it’s time to repeat the process.

“These are the thoughts an average person who goes to work endures for five to six times a day.”

Little thoughts amounting to a small pile of resentment and later on become a full-blown case of burn out. These are also the thoughts that make up a mind of a person living with HIV with additional baggage and concerns regarding health, financial capacity, lifetime medication, acceptance and annual visits to the doctor. HIV positive or not, would you like living a life full of resentment and small complaints piling up to devour your day and your whole year? People you commute with, posts you have read online, a puddle of mud you accidentally stepped onto, that cab driver who complains every time he sees traffic – small habits that became a routine cultivating a lifestyle of hate and negativity. Tiring isn’t it?

“Imagine the opposite of these words and thoughts.”

Happy mornings with an irresistible sunny charm, commuters who smile on their way to a better possibility, drivers who make an effort to provide little chats of colorful symphony, and a work that requires you to be a productive and dignified citizen of this country. Meals enjoyed with a side of laughter and compliments for the nice glow on your skin and the hint of brightness in your smile. The refreshing taste of lemonade that reminds you of your life when things are simpler and a cent can take you to places while enjoying the feel of the earth moving around your feet. The smell of intoxicating mix of pleasure and the taste of heavenly sauce poured onto a warm mouth watering dish. Which would you prefer?

Formulating these thoughts consciously may seem like you are living in a make-believe alternate universe where words are painted with bright pastel hues and sunny shades of citrus colors, but would you rather live a life resenting every words you’ve heard and stated? Would you rather read the first two paragraphs to start your day or the adjectives used on the third paragraph?

Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Incorporated or PAFPI with its volunteers and advocates invites you to send a message of hope and happiness to People Who Are Living with HIV – by being aware, informed and POSITIVELY dealing with life and the people you love.

THE CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU.

Have you dated a wholehearted and pure Filipino guy? Have you experienced his gentle, yet very manly side? That gorgeous tanned skin, nice smile, arms covered in veins and bulging muscles sculpted from hard physical labor that makes you want him to touch you in places you’ll lose all your senses to?

“They are very gentle, you can nag all you want, they will listen (or pretend to listen) and when you cry they hold you, comfort you.” These words are written and used by Jeanette Slagt to describe Filipino men in her article, ‘Character of a Filipino Man,’ on her website ‘LEAVING HOLLAND: Living Abroad.’ Popularly known as ‘JC from Holland,’ she left Holland and sold everything she owned on 2015 and according to her website: “In 2017 I started a long motorcycle trip throughout the Philippines.”

However, social and cultural norms in the Philippines expect a Filipino man to provide for his family and take the role of a patriarch or a FATHER FIGURE. Written on Cultural Atlas on Gender Roles of a Filipino’s Family structure are these words: “Filipino society is tagged as patriarchal. This is in part due to machismo attitudes and the masculine standards of many Filipino men.” This would mean taking the responsibility of providing for the family.

At some point in time, due to insufficient amount of income and lack of available employment opportunities in the country, a Filipino Father needs to find other sources of income to give his children enough food and a decent education. Written in the same website, Cultural Atlas, but on Household Structures of Filipino Families: “Some parents will leave their child in the Philippines in order to seek labour abroad to better support their family left behind.”

According to Seaman Jobsite.com: “Filipino seamen are one of the major contributors in the Philippine economy. As a matter of fact, they have been the major source of US dollar remittances in the country. To support all these the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) revealed in 2009 that the total amount of remittances from Filipino seamen sum up to about US$2.501 billion.”

Working as a seaman posts a lot of issues and challenges to Filipino seafarers such as LONELINESS and lack of affectionate care from loved ones as they are separated by long periods of time. In a journal entitled: “The Challenges of Filipino Seafarers Onboard: Basis for Work Life Balance,” the researchers stated that one of the common challenges faced by Filipino Seafarers is HOMESICKNESS which leads to fatigue and family issues. Working away for so long does not only impose a risk on their relationships, but on their HEALTH as well.

ITF Seafarers mentioned on their website that one of the main health risks a seafarer might face because of the nature of their work are HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections: “Seafarers have a greater risk of HIV/AIDS and STIs because of working and living away from spouses and partners, single-sex working and living arrangements, and the availability of sex workers in ports.”

In an article written by Ryan Jacobs for The Atlantic’s website, entitled “The Strange Quirks of Filipino Seafarers,” on August 9, 2013 talking about how the pressures of the shipping industry affected Filipino seafarers, he mentioned: “Many Filipino sailors make small incisions in their penises and slide tiny plastic stone balls – the size of M&M’s – underneath the skin in order to enhance sexual pleasure for prostitutes and other women they encounter in port cities, especially in Rio de Janeiro.”

According to a Filipino seafarer, Brazilian women working in prostitution aren’t only famous for having one of the most beautiful physical features among sex workers in port cities such as Rio de Janeiro, but also known to prefer Filipino Seafarers as clients.

In an interview written on Inter Press Service News Agency’s website and made by Mario Osava on October 24, 2001 to Denize Oliveira – a Brazilian working for 15 years as a prostitute, she said that: “They are easy to do business with. They treat us as equals and share everything.” Moreover, Mario Osava wrote on his article entitled: “Labour: Far from Home, Filipino Sailors Seek Sex Workers in Brazils Ports” that Filipino seafarers are: “Favourite clients of Brazilian prostitutes … were the most pleasant and the least inclined to haggle over prices.”

Textbook of Maritime Medicine’s website stated that: “In a study conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Center in the Philippines in 1998, 59% of seafarer respondents confirmed to have contracted STD. A 2015 report of the Department of Health of the Philippines, which supplies the largest number of seafarers of any country globally, analyzed 2,250 HIV positive cases. 745 were Overseas Filipino Workers, of which 36% were seafarers. The main mode of transmission was sexual.”

Judging a person is easy if we know nothing about the circumstances he is going through. Before throwing unreasonable judgments to someone or to some group in particular, we must first look at why they tend to behave in the way they do. As mentioned on a research entitled: ‘The Filipino Seafarers’ Lived Experience Aboard International Shipping Vessels: A Basis for Health Promotion Intervention’ written by Ernesto R. Grogorio, the result showed that: “LONELINESS seemed to have contributed to their propensity to engage in high-risk sex behaviors.”

Having a better grasp or knowledge on a certain case may help us understand how certain people behave and in that way we can provide a better intervention that will help lessen the consequences of their action. This is one of the reasons why Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. or PAFPI has been giving lectures on STI, HIV and Safer Sex Practices to aspiring seafarers from different agencies such as Sea Power Shipping Enterprises, Inc. The company, with a vision to be in the forefront in the field of crew management where their seafarers are deemed highly as their partners, has been allowing PAFPI to educate Filipino Seafarers as part of their commitment to quality through the PDOS Program or Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar for 16 Years.

Union Aid Abroad APHEDA has been funding PAFPI’s involvement in the PDOS program and other projects for Filipino Overseas Workers or OFW since 2001.  This partnership is anchored to protect the lives of Filipino Migrant workers including the brave souls and health of Filipino Seafarers – courageously traversing the lonely waters of the earth and facing the challenges along the waves of an endless horizon.

Union Aid Abroad APHEDA, Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. and Sea Power Shipping Enterprises, Inc. – leading the way to a healthier and more humane approach to managing the effects of HIV to Filipino Seafarers and protecting the heart and soul of a Loving Filipino.