23/05/2026
๐๐๐ฏ๐๐จ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐, ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐
๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ
The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, through the Provincial Health Office, commemorated the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 22 at the DOPMC Lobby in Dahican, Mati City, reaffirming its commitment to HIV awareness, prevention, and compassionate healthcare services in the province.
The activity gathered healthcare workers, government officials, development partners, and advocates in a collective show of support for individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS. A solemn candle-lighting ceremony highlighted the importance of remembrance, hope, and continued action against stigma and discrimination.
One of the major highlights of the event was the blessing and opening of the SAFE Room or Sexuality Advocacy For Everyone Room โ a counseling and refilling station designed to provide safe, accessible, and confidential support services for clients. Provincial health officials shared that the facility is envisioned to eventually become a treatment hub in Davao Oriental, strengthening the provinceโs HIV response and expanding access to care and treatment services.
Representing Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang during the activity was Provincial Administrator MGen Jose Eriel Niembra, who conveyed the provincial governmentโs continued support for inclusive and people-centered healthcare programs.
The event was also graced by Department of Health Davao Center for Health Development Assistant Regional Director Dr. Grace Amistoso, who lauded the provinceโs efforts in strengthening HIV awareness and community-based healthcare initiatives.
Health officials emphasized that the opening of the SAFE Room marks another important step toward creating a more informed, compassionate, and stigma-free community for all Oriental Davaoeรฑos.
