International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Opening Remarks for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial – Quezon City

May 18, 2008; 4:00PM, Quezon City Hall Grounds

Never Give Up. Never Forget.

Today, May 18, 2008, together with different groups around the world, we are commemorating the 25^th Anniversary of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. This is one of the first worldwide public events against HIV/AIDS -- a quarter century of remembrance, community mobilization and global solidarity. The theme for this 25^th year Anniversary, “Never Give Up, Never Forget” – reflects the crisis during the time when there was still confusion and misconception about this mysterious disease we now call AIDS, as well as reminds us that we must learn from the past and never give up our collective movement as we enter a new generation with this disease. Right this moment, together with different communities, we shall be lighting an official candle that will light around the world.

This Candlelight Memorial started in 1983 with the theme “Fighting For Our Lives.” There was a mysterious deadly disease spreading amongst the gay community in San Francisco, and at that time, they were receiving no support from the government, and no answers from the medical sector. Four young men who knew they would die within the year decided to put a “face to the disease” by means of coordinating a small vigil and marched down towards San Francisco City Hall. This Candlelight ceremony inspired thousands who are living with AIDS, as well as those who support their cause.

Here in Quezon City, we are commemorating the 7^th time that our beloved city has participated in this vigil. Together with the QC STD-AIDS Council, the QC Government, the DOH, US AIDS and various communities, we are joining hands in battling out HIV/AIDS as well as its related illnesses… by promoting prevention, treatment and care. In Quezon City alone, from 1984 until 2008, we have already recorded 3,101 HIV positive cases. In January 2007 we had 24 cases, and now, January 2008, HIV cases increased to 40 people. It is high time that we prevent the further increase in the number of HIV positive people in Quezon City – and this could only be possible if we work together to try to prevent it.

Sa pagtatapos, nais kong sabihin ang 4 na objectives ng International AIDS Candlelight Memorial …

1. Upang alalahanin at ipagdasal ang mga taong pumanaw na dahil sa AIDS

2. Upang magbigay ng suporta sa mga taong patuloy na lumalaban sa kanilang sakit na HIV o AIDS

3. Upang mamulat ang komunidad na hindi kamuhian ang mga taong may HIV o AIDS … bagkus, ang ika-apat…

4. Nararapat lang na lahat tayo, tumulong upang labanan ang pagkalat pa ng AIDS sa pamamagitan ng tamang edukasyon.

Mula sa QC STD/AIDS council, nais po naming magpasalamat sa inyong pagdalo at pagtulong sa ating napakahalagang misyon.

Mula sa Puso ni Kon. Doray, kapit kamay po tayo tungo sa isang malusong at HIV – free na Lungsod Quezon!