SSU partners with Waray-Waray Youth Advocates for inspiring World AIDS Day symposium

LOOK | In commemoration of the World AIDS Day, the Waray-Waray Youth advocates in partnership with the Samar State University Student Council (SSU-USC) and SSU-Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance (SSU-SICGLG) held a symposium titled “KAMUSTAHAY SERYE: People living with HIV – Journey of Hope,” featuring inspiring real-life testimonies about combating and working with HIV at the CAS-Audiovisual Center earlier this afternoon, December 5.

The event was attended by City Government officials, the Katbalaugan Youth Development Council, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairpersons, Supreme Student Learner Government officers of Catbalogan City, City Health Office staff, Waray-Waray Youth Advocates, USC officers, and other youth leaders and organizations in and out of the campus.

Moreover, SSU-SICGLG Director Dr. Abigail Cabaguing through her representative, Faculty Researcher Julie Quilatan, delivered her solidarity message for the attendees.

“Together, through initiatives like this, we break down barriers, foster empathy, and champion accessible healthcare for all. Let this event serve as a reminder that progress in combating HIV is a collective effort. Rest assured, that Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance stands ready to collaborate further in programs that empower our people and strengthen our communities,” Quilatan stated.

Meanwhile, highlight of the event was Lorenz Edilber Orelles, an HIV advocate and has been living with the disease for 11 years, who shared with the crowd the reality of living with the condition and his journey towards combating the stigma.

“I don’t want anyone to experience what I experienced. HIV is already a manageable virus; it is no longer a death sentence. [HIV-positive] people are also normal people, you don’t have to be afraid on seeking treatment, its because your life is worth fighting for,” he emphasized.

The event proceeded with the launching of Project Access to Better Options Through health education (ABOT), and ended with the awarding of certificates as well as the closing ceremonies.