![FPOP [Family Planning Organization of the Philippines] — “Quality of life is our vision”](../../../site/img/spacer.gif "FPOP [Family Planning Organization of the Philippines] - “Quality of life is our vision”")
The staff and youth volunteers of FPOP-Metro Manila Chapter joined hundreds of individuals and organizations in honoring and remembering the people who died of AIDS during the 2010 AIDS Candlelight Memorial. The 2010 ACM was held on 28 May 2010 in Malate, Manila.
In her opening speech, Department of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral thanked the organizations that participated in the event and proceeded to provide a background of the ceremony. She lit the mother candle and led the participants to a short walk from Remedios Circle to Raja Sulayman. On an elevated stage set up for the purpose, the Lotus Ceremony and unraveling of the quilt, bearing the names of those who died of AIDS, were held.
The 2010 AIDS Candlelight Memorial was participated in by representatives from the different government agencies , the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), Global Fund to Fight HIV and AIDS, TB & Malaria Philippine Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), local government units, faith-based organizations, private business groups, civil society, media, and development partners.
The AIDS Candlelight Memorial aims to increase awareness on HIV and AIDS and foster solidarity and support between and among different communities in addressing HIV and AIDS issues. The memorial also hopes to promote respect and uphold the dignity of the people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) and their families and mobilize communities and individuals towards achieving a participatory and meaningful engagement in the prevention of HIV and AIDS, and treatment, care, and support of PLHAs and other affected population.
This year’s ACM was organized by the TLF Share Collective, Inc. on behalf of PNAC.
With report and photos from Jaymel Galang, FPOP-Metro Manila Chapter youth volunteer.
