30/04/2026
๐๐๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ
The College of Health Sciences, in partnership with the City Health Office (CHO) headed by Dra. Rachel Anne Parayno, spearheaded the International HIV and AIDS Candlelight Memorial at the Urdaneta City University Gymnasium on April 13 to honor lives lost and raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.
Mr. Matt Paulmino, President of FNC, delivered the opening remarks, stating, โIt is never about gender; it is about humanity. Today, let us become advocates of truth, compassion, and inclusivity.โ
The ceremony commemorated individuals who have died from HIV and AIDS while promoting awareness and solidarity with those living with the condition.
โWe must promote awareness, encourage open dialogue, and inspire students in the academic community to become advocates of health, dignity, and respect for all,โ said Dr. Allysa Diego, Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
During the program, Dr. Josephine S. Lambinicio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Atty. Michael Henry C. Sevilleja, Vice President for Administration, shared heartfelt messages highlighting the solemnity of the ceremony.
Resource speakers included ๐ ๐ฟ. ๐๐น๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ฏ, ๐ ๐๐ก, who discussed HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and AIDS, and ๐ ๐. ๐๐ป๐ป๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฑ, who tackled HIV-related stigma.
The candlelighting ceremony served as the main highlight of the event, honoring those who have died from HIV/AIDS, offering prayers, and symbolizing solidarity with the millions currently living with HIV.
Mr. Roniel Aquino, BSN Program Head, concluded the ceremony with the message: โLet us continue to be the light and hope in the fight against HIV and AIDS.โ
Words by Jasmine Dela Cruz
Photos by Seth Estantino
Pubmat by Sunshine Rose Fernandez and Seth Estantino