I joined the 2008 GenSan AIDS Candlelight Memorial Commemoration
Late afternoon yesterday, May 19, 2008, I joined more than 500 other “generals” (as citizens of Gen. Santos call themselves) in mounting the 2008 GenSan Candlelight Memorial Commemoration in honor of the memory of those lives lost to HIV/AIDS and to those living with the disease.
Although it was not the Tuna Capital’s first time in joining the rest of the world in this simultaneous endeavor now on its 25th year, yesterday was made more significant with the participation of a very important personage in the fight against HIV/AIDS – Dr. Aye Aye Thwin, Chief of the Office of Health of USAID Philippines.
Dr. Thwin, who was invited by the local government of General Santos for the occasion to drumbeat its continuing support of HIV/AIDS programs, is of Burmese origins. During her speech before the crowd of volunteers at the Oval Plaza, she spoke eloquently of the need of countries to reach out to each other in their collective fight against this worldwide scourge. She also thanked City Mayor Jun Acharon and expressed her admiration for his administration’s relentless drive to educate and inform the locals about the disease.
After a response from Mayor Acharon and the ceremonial lighting of candles of virtues which he led, together with Congresswoman Darlene Custodio’s representative, Bebei Gonzales and Dr. Thwin, I then walked towards the center of the area fronting the stage. There, together with other like-minded individuals carrying lighted candles, we formed a human RED RIBBON, the international symbol for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
And while simultaneously singing along with Michael Jackson’s HEAL THE WORLD being played in the backgroud, we all raised our candles in the air, signifying our intentions to “NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER FORGET” to fight in this war versus a creeping silent killer in our midst.
Related posts:
- 2008 Calendars of the Tuna Capital
- GenSan to give Hero’s Welcome & Cash Incentive for Pacquiao
- GenSan Holds first Recyclable Waste Fair on Earth Day 2008
- 9 GenSan Barangays slug it out for 2008 Summerkadahan Cheerdance Contest
- (UPDATE) Who will be Ms. GenSan 2008?
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Bariles is a Filipino word for “Tuna”, the primary source of income of the people of General Santos City which hosts 6 of the Philippines’ 8 tuna canneries and more than 80% of its tuna processing plants.
Chicken Noodle Soup Says:
From the photos it looked like a respectful and beautiful event.
Posted on May 25th, 2008 at 9:43 PM
bariles Says:
It was moving, to say the least. Thanks.
Posted on May 30th, 2008 at 4:59 PM
precious Says:
yup…the event was beautiful and respectful..all SK’s well at least, majority of the SK’s came….
Posted on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:25 PM
bariles Says:
hi precious! thank God for the participation of young people like you. it made the event even more meaningful and proved that your generation “cares” for causes like this. thanks for commenting here too.
Posted on June 8th, 2008 at 7:03 PM
rodner/pixar/rodney Says:
sana maks-survive na ung may mga AIDS we pray for them…
Posted on October 16th, 2008 at 9:28 PM