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L-R:
Marione Callo-Brionnes, VP, Research and Operations for Integrative Competitive
Inteligence Asia Inc., Dr. Ferchito Avelino, MD, MPH, Director, Epidemiology
Bureau, Ambassador Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa and Pageant Director
Rodgil Flores.
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A one-of-a-kind, equality
‘Tri-Pageant’ search has been launched in conjunction with the Department of
Health (DOH)’s new campaign on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza was
chosen to act as ambassador to lead the DOH’s LHIVE FREE awareness campaign to
the general public.
Verzosa, the 26-year-old, model from
Baguio City, was chosen as the DOH believes in her status and influence and
being able to provide the voice to dispel fear, anxiety, depression and the
stigma that comes with HIV and AIDS. “It’s an honor to be a part of this
campaign. Joining the DOH project at its face was easy. I would like to use my
influence the best way I could to contribute and help advance the DOH achieve
its goals,” said the beauty queen who is also an advocate for depression and
suicide awareness.
“As we are aware, the condition does more
than just destroy a person’s immune system, it also affects the psychological
state of the person affected by it, not to mention his or her capability to
earn a living, and the way that society would treat him/her. Their prejudices
stem on lack of information about HIV. We need to fully inform the public, to
arm them with a thorough understanding of the disease and its effects,
physically, emotionally and psychologically. Making the public aware is the
key, especially those who are at high risk,” Versoza said.
The DOH called upon individuals, men,
women and transwomen, to join the 3-way pageant to select the department’s new
set of HIV/AIDS advocacy ambassadors. “The LHIVE FREE Redvocates is a search
for individuals who are willing to be champions of this campaign, who like Ms.
Versoza, will help spread significant information on HIV and AIDS and promote
safe sex with the goal of preventing new cases,” Secretary Duque said.
“As we speak, HIV cases continue to
rise and the worst part is many of these cases are among those who are afraid
to be tested. We want to correct this wrong information about the virus, to
give hope, to make them stop being afraid to get tested, that there is a big
chance to live a normal life even if you are HIV positive,” Duque explained.
Led by acclaimed pageant trainer and
event director Rodgil Flores, the REDVOCATES: Search for 2018 HIV & AIDS
Advocacy Ambassadors, will have thirty official candidates which will bring
together people of different sexual orientations (Male, Female and Transwoman),
into a landmark event of Love, Purpose and Equality. The three winners will
become the official DOH HIV & AIDS Ambassadors for the year 2018-2019 to
spearhead the DOH’s LHIVE FREE HIV Awareness Campaign. The Finals Night will be
held on September 28, 2018. (Words and Photos by Eton B. Concepcion)
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