LocationsSumilao, Bukidnon passes Comprehensive HIV Ordinance supported by UNDP's SCALE initiative
August 21, 2024
Sumilao, Bukidnon – The Municipality of Sumilao Sangguniang Bayan passed its Comprehensive STI, HIV, and AIDS Prevention and Control Ordinance in its third and final reading, signifying a great stride towards inclusive healthcare, community-based interventions, and nondiscriminatory support. The passing of the ordinance was an initiative under the UNDP-supported Bida ang Barangay project Led by TLF Share (Sexuality, Health and Rights Educators) Collective. The project aims to equip barangay officials with practical knowledge, tools, and understanding to address discrimination related to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) and health status.
Authored by Hon. Garel Joyce M. Del Rosario and co-authored by Hon. Jumandy T. Salise, the Ordinance Establishing Comprehensive STI, HIV, and AIDS Prevention and Control Program in the Municipality of Sumilao, Bukidnon, provides distinctions regarding HIV-related services, addresses stigma and discrimination, and assures the representation of key populations and people living with HIV (PLHIVs) in the Local AIDS Council. The ordinance also describes best practices that can be adopted and applied by the Local Government of Sumilao to control the spread of STI and HIV, especially among vulnerable groups.
The ordinance underscores the importance of information, education, communication and other community-based interventions to encourage safe sex practices, reduce risky behavior, lower vulnerabilities, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and promote human rights of PLHIVs. The ordinance also highlights institutional participation from (1) all barangays within the municipality of Sumilao, (2) schools, colleges, and universities, (3) workplaces, (4) government offices, (5) entertainment establishments, and more.
The TLF Share Collective mentioned their gratitude for working with their dedicated partners: “TLF Share commends the Municipality of Sumilao, Sanggunniang Bayan of Sumilao, Municipal Health Office, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, DILG, PNP Sumilao, Population and Development Office, HIV and AIDS Advocates especially DASIG Sumilao Pride Coalition for working hard to ensure the passage of the ordinance.”
Ms. Vivien Suerte, UNDP Philippines Institutions and Partnerships Team Leader, commends TLF Share Collective and the Local Government of Sumilao for taking significant strides towards promoting accessible STI, HIV, and AIDS support and care as well as creating an inclusive environment in their respective area. “This local HIV response initiative ensures that communities are meaningfully engaged, aware of the necessity of nondiscriminatory treatment, and dedicated to promoting the rights of people living with HIV,” she said.
The UNDP-supported Bida ang Barangay Project under the SCALE Initiative: Removing Barriers to HIV Services underscores the commitment of the organization to achieving the HIV/AIDS 10-10-10 targets. At the same time, it highlights their dedication to working with local government stakeholders and implementors to provide accessible and equitable services for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Through the signing of the comprehensive HIV ordinance, the Municipal Government of Sumilao is able to advocate for inclusivity, taking into consideration the needs of all groups and key-populations.
Contact Information: Andyleen C. Feje, HIV Response Analyst, andyleen.feje@undp.org
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