Pangasinan, Benguet bat for awareness on AIDS; new cases found

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines — Pangasinan and Benguet are at the forefront of information campaigns in northern Luzon about AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) and how the (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus which causes it, is transmitted as six new cases were discovered this month in Baguio City.

Dr. Jocelyn Tiongson said Dagupan City will host various activities from December 1 to 3 to promote awareness in reminding people that HIV has not gone away and that there are many things still to be done.

Tiongson said this will be done in observance of World AIDS Day next month, adding that Pangasinan leads the region in the number of reported cases of HIV Ab Seropositive.

Chaired by Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, the Council on AIDS Awareness, together with the implementing agencies, will hold a motorcade and a free HIV Anti-body testing, RPR and Hepatitis B testing on December 1 at the City Astrodome.

On December 3, a seminar on sexually-transmitted diseases will be conducted at the City Social Hygiene Clinic for all guest relation officers (GROs) and civilians. –LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO, Manila Bulletin