18/06/2026
Strengthening and Sustaining Local Response: HIV/AIDS Program Planning Workshop Among Stakeholders| June 18, 2026
As part of the continued efforts to strengthen the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Program in Lucena City, the first convening of the Local AIDS Council (LAC) was successfully held at Queen Margarette Hotel Downtown.
The activity was organized in response to the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in the city and aimed to enhance local interventions through a comprehensive, coordinated, and harmonized approach among key stakeholders.
The event was spearheaded by the Lucena City DOH Office in partnership with the DOH CHD CALABARZON HIV/AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Lucena City, and the Lucena City Health Office.
The event was attended by the LAC members and representatives from various sectors, including DASH Quezon (CSO), the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), Gender and Development (GAD), City Budget Office, City Accounting Office, Public Information Office (PIO), DepEd Division of Lucena City, the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Appropriations, and the Association of Barangay Captains.
Demonstrating strong support for the initiative were Hon. Dr. Edwin โLoveโ Pureza, SP Chairman on Health and Sanitation and Vice Chairman of the Local AIDS Council, together with Hon. Beth Sio, SP Chairman on Social Welfare.
The planning workshop became more comprehensive through the valuable contributions, technical inputs, and messages of support from representatives of IDEALS Inc. through the PROTECTS Project, the Quezon Provincial Health Office, the Quezon Provincial Health NetworkโQuezon Medical Center (QPHN-QMC), and City Health Office Program Managers from the Health Education and Promotion Unit (HEPU), Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS), HIV/AIDS Program, and LGU Health Scorecard (HSC) Program. Their active participation during the action planning workshop helped shape responsive and sustainable strategies for the cityโs HIV/AIDS response.
Also present to express support for the initiative was Dr. Emerita Felices Perez, OIC-Division Chief of the Health Program Support Division, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared accountability in addressing HIV/AIDS at the local level.
A key highlight of the activity was the presentation of Executive Director Dr. Jojo Feliciano of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), who served as the resource speaker. He discussed and emphasized the crucial role of Local AIDS Councils in the countryโs HIV/AIDS response, underscoring their mandate under Republic Act No. 11166, otherwise known as the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act.
To conclude the activity, all Local AIDS Council members and stakeholders participated in the ceremonial Signing of the Pledge of Commitment, reaffirming their collective dedication to strengthening HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support services and ensuring a united and sustained response to the HIV/AIDS situation in Lucena City.
