Category Archives: Advocacy

Be responsible this Valentine’s Day

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, health practitioners are reminding adults to always practice safe sex.

In a Facebook post, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime-Philippines admitted that condom use is still unpopular, with only 38 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) using condoms when having sex (IHBSS, 2018). A recent UNODC-Ph study disclosed that MSM who had experience using drugs where twice more likely to have condomless sex.

“While it may be awesome to make love without a condom, we are increasing the possibility of getting infected by HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections,” the FB post said.

As a Valentine’s Day reminder, the UNODC-ph encouraged the public to lower the risk of HIV and STDs by using condoms. “We can still enjoy making love while USING CONDOMS. They are free. Contact your nearest sexual health facilities.”

A total of 70,740 individuals have been diagnosed with HIV in the Philippines since 1984. Ninety-four percent are males. Sexual contact is the most common mode of HIV transmission.

Support community fireworks display

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The government aims to achieve zero firecracker-related injuries this year through implementation of Executive Order No. 28 Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices.

The law signed by President Duterte stipulates that the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties. Conduct of community fireworks display will also be continuously promoted as a strategy to, at least maintain the low injury status in the country.

Let us welcome 2018 without an injury due to firecrackers and support fireworks display in our respective communities.

Nationwide Smoking Ban in Public Places

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Editorial cartoon credit: People’s Tonight and NVT

Rejoice non-smoking people! With the recent signing of Executive Order 26 by President Duterte, smoking is now prohibited in public places (except in designated smoking areas), including public vehicles whether stationary or in motion, nationwide.

The smoking ban will implemented in all public outdoor spaces, enclosed and partially enclosed public spaces, accommodation and entertainment establishments, and work places.

The EO covers drivers, conductors, and passengers in public utility vehicles.

The Executive Order was made in time for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. #smokefreephilippines