AIDS Candlelight Memorial Information

Here’s some information from PNAC about the AIDS Candlelight Memorial this Friday. Be sure you read the event program at the bottom of the post.

PARTICPATION GUIDELINES

1. Registration starts at 3:00 pm at the Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila.
2. The group will march from Remedios Circle to Rajah Sulayman Park, Malate, Manila.
3. All participating individuals and organizations are requested to wear white during the event
4. Candles and ribbons will be provided by TLF SHARE Collective, Inc.
5. Transportation should be shouldered by participating individuals and organization
6. Participating individuals and organization are expected to take a light meal before the registration
7. Organizations are advised to bring their respective organizational banner/tarpaulin to be used during the event
8. Please bring an umbrella in case of rain

Republic of the Philippines

Philippine National AIDS Council

CONCEPT NOTE

2010 AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL IN THE PHILIPPINES

Many Lights for Human Rights – Remember, Honor, ACT

Background and Rationale

Since 1983, the world has been commemorating the AIDS Candlelight Memorial (ACM). A program of the Global Health Council, this activity gathers and mobilizes different sectors and groups in order to remember and honor those who have passed away due to AIDS and also to eradicate stigma and discrimination through education, advocacy and partnership. ACM serves as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to new generations. (International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, 2010)

The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) maintains its solidarity with the global community in commemorating the ACM. The ACM contributes to the fulfillment of policy declarations of Republic Act 8504 (the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, or R.A. 8504) such as promoting public awareness on HIV and AIDS, the protection of human rights and civil liberties of people living with HIV and addressing the conditions that aggravate the spread of HIV. The 2010 ACM global theme is “Many Lights for Human Rights,” meant to promote both global solidarity and the need for collective action around HIV and human rights. (www.candlelightmemorial.org)

In the country, the ACM shall serve as public advocacy to position HIV and AIDS as crucial issue on the advent of a new administration in government. Its tone shall be solemn but with very clear messages of priority actions in the national response to HIV and AIDS. The ACM global theme is adapted with an addition “Remember, Honor, ACT” to emphasize our solidarity with Filipinos living with HIV and their loved ones.

The PNAC Secretariat shall engage technical services of TLF SHARE Collective Inc., an NGO involved in HIV and AIDS advocacy with a proven track record of mobilizing sectors and groups in Metro Manila, for the coordination of related events and mounting of the main ACM activity.

Objectives

• To increase awareness on human rights dimensions of HIV and AIDS as social issue;
• To remember and honor Filipinos who passed away due to AIDS and support those affected;
• To mobilize government, private sector, development partners and affected communities for meaningful participation and foster solidarity between and among them; and
• To promote, respect and uphold the dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS

Participation

1. GOVERNMENT

• Government agency members of PNAC

• Local government units in Metro Manila (GF HIV Rounds 5 and 6 sites)

1. CIVIL SOCIETY and AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

• Individuals and organized groups of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS
• NGO’s and groups who work on HIV and AIDS
• NGO’s and groups who work on human rights
• Faith-based organizations and groups
• Other socio-civic organizations

1. PRIVATE COMMERCIAL SECTOR

• Corporations and networks with initiatives on HIV and AIDS
• Business networks for corporate social responsibility
• Business process outsourcing companies

1. DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

• Multilateral and bilateral aid agencies
• International NGOs
• Intergovernmental organizations (e.g. UN agencies)

PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR THE AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL

Remedios Circle and Rajah Sulayman Park, Malate, Manila

28 May 2010 (Friday), 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Malate, Manila,

Guidelines:

Participating organizations must bring the following on 2010 ACM:

1. Banner/Streamer of the organization supporting the 2010 ACM – prototype design is uploaded at www.pnac.org.ph
2. Food, Transportation and Communication means of the participants
3. Collaterals such as shirts, candles, red ribbons (if any)
4. Water, towels, umbrella and fans since the venue is open air

PNAC Secretariat Contact Persons:

Ms. Joane Corbe – 0921 6170380 / 0922 6305920

Mr. Glenn Cruz – [email protected]