Bernabe cited for anti-AIDS drive

MANILA, Philippines - Parañaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe has been cited by the Local Government Academy for the city’s efforts to fight and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Bernabe received a plaque and cash reward for the city’s “Give me 5 plus Approach: Baluti’s response to HIV and AIDS,” which won the LGA’s Local Emerging C.H.A.M.P or Catalytic HIV and AIDS Mitigation Program. The award body is organized by LGA together with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Baluti refers to “Batang Laging Umiiwas sa Tiyak na Impeksyon” (Protect the Child from Infection).”

It was created after the city’s educators realized that young people “need more straightforward talk and practical advice to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.

“Its approach starts with a visitation, where counselors meet with adolescents, then is followed by information and explanation about the dangers of unsafe sex. Its methodologies include film showings, parent education, home visits and use of other educational materials to educate teens and their parents as well as surveys to assess the program’s progress.

The program is being implemented in the four sitios of Barangay San Dionisio – Kaybuboy/Himlayang Palanyag, Espiritu Compound, Lorenzana, and Bernabe Compounds. As of 2009, 15,840 teens have taken part in the program.

The program has “created a positive change in behavior of adolescents at risk for early sexual debut, teenage pregnancy, unwanted conception, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS,” Bernabe said.

City medical officer Ma. Dolores Mathias handles Baluti’s implementation.