Vicariate of Puerto Princesa launches apostolate for people living with HIV and depression

The Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa (AVPP) launched an Advocacy Apostolate on People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and People Suffering from Depression on Wednesday, February 13 at Immaculate Conception Cathedral,

The program was made possible with the collaboration of the City Government thru the City Health Office, Ospital ng Palawan and other civic groups.

The program started with Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Eugene Elivera, wherein in his homily he said, “In Palawan, a lot of people are committing suicides, the numbers of HIV are increasing. We have to awaken ourselves”.

Dr. Ricardo B. Panganiban, City Health Officer, said that there are already 338 cases of HIV in Palawan as of 1984-present.

There were 246 total clients enrolled for Antiretroviral Treatment at Red Top Center (ONP) as of February 7, 2019 and 167 are from Puerto Princesa City.

“Dito po sa Palawan ang may pinakamataas na bilang ng HIV sa buong Mimaropa. Ang isa sa pinapatignan naming group ay yung itong mga MSM,  ibig sabihin Men having Sex in Men kasi doon sa percentage po na marami tayo dito sa cases na ‘to. More than half ng cases natin ay galing doon sa population na yun. So yun yung isa sa mga tinututukan natin”

He also emphasized the programs that they have in the City Health Office to stop the increasing number of HIV cases in Puerto Princesa City and also to eliminate the discrimination and stigma against people living with HIV.

“Tuloy-tuloy naman po yung program natin against sa pag-spread ng HIV, mayroon tayo sa City Health Office yung social hygene, kung saan mayroon tayong mga partners na NGOs, yan yung Roots of health, Pilipinas Shell at saka iba pang mga organization. Mayroon din po tayong tinatag na Sundown Clinic, para doon sa iba na hindi makapunta kasi may trabaho so  after ng office hours open po yun kapag mayroon po tayong mga clients or patients na gustong malaman yun status nya, gusto magpatest, gusto magpa council ay available po yan dyan sa city health office.  kailangan baguhin din natin yung stigma na kapag pumunta ka sa social hygiene clinic ibig sabihin mayroon kang problema sa HIV” said Panganiban.

Ms. Hayalee Joy C. Vicente-Estoya, from Ospital ng Palawan, discussed the myth and facts about depression.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300,000,000 people suffer from depression and the Philippines has the highest record of depression cases in Southeast Asia.

She said that depression is a serious mental illness that can lead to suicide if cannot be given immediate attention and treatment.

She also mentioned the Mental Health Law, or Republic Act 11036, signed by President Duterte last June 21, 2018, which aims to give better access to mental health care.

After discussing the causes, symptoms the treatment of depression, she encouraged everyone to participate in taking action against depression.

“Do not be afraid to seek help, or if you see a family member, friends, relatives struggling, just be in their side, your silent present is a big help for them,” said Vicente-Estoya.

Msgr. SOCRATES C. MESIONA, MSP, D.D., Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa, said that taking action on issues concerning the health and the life of the people is one of the missions of the church.

“Syempre makikialam tayo dahil buhay ng tao ang concern, ang kalusugan. Bahagi po yan ng concern natin, ang buhay ay bigay ng Diyos kaya kung nati-threaten ang buhay ng tao dahil sa sakit syempre tungkulin din natin.

He encouraged the parishioners to support this kind of activity of the church in promoting awareness on HIV anddDepression. He also asks for love, care, understanding and compassion for those people living with HIV and Mental Health Disorder.

“Sana po huwag natin ikondena yung mga taong positibo sa ganoong karamdaman, sana ay matulungan natin, maunawaan natin at sana po ay maipadama natin ang pagmamahal at ang ating habag sa kanila kasi hindi naman nila ginusto ito unfortunately nagkaroon lang sila ng sakit na ganito sana tayong lahat tulong-tulong para maagapan. Unang una importante din yung prevention, sana hindi na dadami yung mabiktima ng ganitong klase ng sakit,” said Mesiona.

Mesiona also makes sure that this is just a start of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa’s action on those issues.

Siguro ang matutulong ng simbahan ay sa education.Siguro magka-conduct pa ng mga seminars para matrain din yung mga pari na how to accompany sa mga tao na nadidepress. May mga programa pang gagawin, may mga susunod pang gagawin,” he said.

The program ended with the offering candles at the foot of the Jubilee Cross after the signing of a pledge, headed by Bishop Socrates Mesiona, Fr. Eugene Elivera, Councilor Nancy Socrates, Councilor Roy Ventura, City Health Officer Dr. Ric Panganiban, Ms. Regine Villapa (HIV Program Coordinator), Ms.Haya Vicente (ONP) and other health advocates.