Angelie Kyle Babon 
In commemoration of World AIDS Day every first of December, Samar State University Student Council initiated activities gathering representatives from 24 accredited organizations and provincial governments together at Maceda Gymnasium with its main goal of strengthening the student leaders’ awareness on ASRHR, HIV, and AIDS.
A total of 100 participants were united with the members of the USC in the said half-day event themed “Equalize”. The organized activities include advocacy dance for all, getting-to-know-you games, energizer, and the discussion proper.
USC President Christine Calley and Vice President Jason Dela Peña were the speakers on the highlight talk on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) respectively.
“As a leader, the only way we can fight this is through creating awareness. Let us fully educate ourselves so that we will be able to encourage and educate others to do the same. It is time for us to step forward and lead those young people [with] the voice that we deserve,” CAS Representative and Chairperson on Commission on ASRHR Cerella Diocton mentioned in her opening remarks.
Further, in a closing speech, USC House Speaker and CONHS Representative Leila Mari Babalcon emphasized that the said event is a “great opportunity for student leaders to advocate together” and do their part in “society’s continuous battle against the spread of HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses”.
“…I acknowledge each one of you who voluntarily and willingly came here today, who actively and sincerely participated in the discussions and other activities. You all are contributing to the global fight for justice in all mankind by following your conscience and joining the fight against AIDS. Surely, we are all hoping that one day we’ll be able to find cure for this global health problem and live an AIDS-free community in the next generation. But for the meantime, obtaining knowledge, awareness and sharing it to others can help in prevention, encourage non-discrimination and promote care and support for those who are affected,” she said.
Babalcon properly ended the event by citing a quote from Elizabeth Taylor, “It is bad enough people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance.”
Angelie Kyle Babon | News Writer
Ryedell Talaogon | Photojournalist
