WAD with KabaNaTA (Kabataang Nasa Tama) By: Anthony Lopez December 1, 2011 Almost 30 years from its

s formal identification, the HIV virus has posed a great threat in the lives of Children and Young People all over the world and ultimately, the Philippines. This October, new cases of infection has reached 200 following the month prior of 256; Most of which come from the 15-24 year old bracket. Males constitute to a big chunk of the number. In the line with the advocacy to exterminate the traitor disease, the DRA MARY ANN B ORLANDA YOUTH CARE FOUNDATION, INC, along with the rest of the world, celebrated the annual WORLD AIDS DAY Commemoration. The program started around 7PM at their office in Molino III, Bacoor, Cavite. Guests come from the nearby community and some from adjacent towns. KabaNaTa is the proposed name of the DMABOYCF volunteers. KabaNaTa stands for Kabataang Nasa Tama. The celebration was structured in 3 parts. They are as follows: 1. Introduction to HIV 2. The Power of You 3. Taiz Prayer Introduction to HIV Guests to the program were generally not disposed into the context of the HIV/AIDS issue. We needed to device a way to touch base on the issue so the following activities would be digested easier. At this point we discussed data provided by the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) Website which tackled the AIDS registry for September 2011*. For the guests to understand the importance of protecting our Children and Young People from infection, we also discussed the UNCRC. It is imperative that we relay the statements of the UNCRC in line with the discussion of the HIV issue because it gives us a clearer picture of what we need to do. Children and Young People do not just need help in protecting themselves, it is their RIGHT! So mothers that were part of the discussion were pleased to know there are rights that encompass their children.

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Moving forward, we talked about what HIV really is, how it differs from AIDS, how it is acquired and the fallacies that most people believe about it. Although the discussion was free flowing and productive, we had a challenge of discerning how to relay the information to the guests as many of them are children even below the age of 15. But thanks to the parents who helped us guide their children during the talk, we can say that the children have gained more knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
*The only available data at that was for the month of September. The data for October was released a few days after WAD 2011.

The Power of You Empowering the youth, letting them voice out their opinions, and making them decide on their own these are some of the goals that we aim to achieve in using The Power of You as a resource in our discussions. With this, guests were entertained by the interactive fun this presentation brought. This part also served as a presentation to the volunteers and peers of the material that we will be utilizing in all our activities and interactions with the youth. I would like to express my own opinion on how the presentation worked out. At first, the guests were kind of confused of what was happening. But this may have been avoided if only I was able to explain the mechanics thoroughly. So, primarily, the preparation and the leveling out of thoughts with the guests are very important. The gist of the presentation was understood during the first 5-10 minutes of the showing. Although at first there was a bit of a struggle, the process proved to give out good results - it was a success. Facing AIDS To show our commitment to move forward into the obliteration of the HIV/AIDS disease, stigma and false belief, and the advancement of our advocacy, a pictorial with the FACING AIDS signage was done. Mechanics: Each of the guests was provided a sheet of paper with the phrase FACING AIDS printed on them. They will then complete the phrase by adding word before and/or after the printed words (e.g. I am FACING AIDS because I care). Here are some of the images taken:

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Taiz Prayer Candle lighting ceremonies have become a custom in commemoration of some one million plus casualties who have perished because of AIDS within the last three decades. Although similar, we took a different approach in materializing the activity. Taiz is a name of a town in France. During the hype of World War 1, it became a place of serenity for people. A man came to a small chapel and started to pray. He prayed in chanting pattern that later took the attention of other faithful in the community. The congregation became bigger and bigger. And the method of praying in a chanting melodic manner spread all over the world and is being practiced by different religions and sects. The integration of this activity, in the context of the WAD celebration, brought a new meaning to our commemoration; songs and chants of prayer for people who are most at risk of HIV infection, people who presently are living with the virus and the people whose lives have been taken back by the creator were offered. Candles were lit to signify the burning passion for the advocacy and to represent the intense hope that someday soon, all our endeavors will flourish leading to zero HIV infections. Conclusion Overall, based on the response of the guests and the participants, the WORLD AIDS DAY Celebration with Dr. Mary Ann B. Orlanda Youth Care Foundation was a SUCCESS!!!

Special thanks to: 1. Reggie Innis BaLUTI Org., for helping out in the preparations and for assisting in the facilitation of the program. 2. KabaNaTa (DMABOYCF) Volunteers 3. Dr. Mary Ann B. Orlanda, MD, FPOGS, for making the activity possible.
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And the community that took part in the celebration.

Please relay any questions about the report to: Anthony Lopez +63 927 716 6647 athens.lopez@gmail.com

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