MPWR 2017: Movement for the Positive You towards Winning the Region

Building an empowered PLHIV Community in Region 3: Unleashing Positive Potentials

Last September 29-October 1, the first summit for the PLHIV community in Region 3 was
held. Participants from different parts of the region arrived on the first day. We were divided into five
groups in which HACT staffs, HIV Counselors and Peer Educators and clients were mixed together.
The program started with the introduction of the guest speakers from different sectors like SSS,
PhilHealth and DOH. Benefits that a PLHIV can take were discussed along with the requirements that
they have to provide. Cash assistance was one of the topics that moved the clients as it can really help
those who are not financially able. The day ended with a lecture from an occupational therapist of
Mariveles Mental Hospital. She gave words of wisdom and emphasized how changing ones
perspective could really help him/her live life to the fullest.

On the second day, before the activities started, different support groups like Juan Positive
Movement Inc., Ing Mamalakaya Support Group, Mariposa Support Group, and Positibong Marino
Support Group presented how they were formed and how they continue to advocate for HIV
Awareness and Stigma Reduction. Activities that require cooperation and solidarity followed which
made the participants even more comfortable with each other. The body map, where we were told
to draw all our goals, inspirations, troubles and life lessons, was the most crucial part of the day. We
were divided into groups and then asked to talk it over with the other participants. Some of them
disclosed their status. Some of them hesitated. Some of them cried over the experiences they had.
Some cried because they were rejected by their families. One thing we learned over this, people who
are diagnosed with positive status, usually lose their trust with themselves. They tend to hate
themselves and think of the result as a punishment. They are inclined with the thought that they cant
be loved and that they cannot be accepted. The significance of a support group and HACT staffs are
evident with those situations. We have to make them feel accepted, forgiven and loved until they can
do it for themselves.

An episode from Maalaala Mo Kaya, Pulang Laso, was played before dinner. It was a real
life story of two males in which their love was challenged by HIV. The story did not only focus on the
romantic side of their love, it also showed the stigma of how people perceive HIV. How upsetting it is
to be rejected by your own family, and on the othr hand, how reassuring it is that someone can still
love you truly despite having a positive status.

The day ended with the wittiest pageant ever, Mr. and Ms. Q&A. Derived from a noontime
show, the organizers placed a twist in every round. The hall was filled with laughter that you can
actually feel that, that joy is genuine.

The most awaited pool games took place on the last day. It started with the Aqua Zumba to
warm up the participants. It was then followed by a series of games that made us wet and wild with
eagerness to win the games.

Before the certificates were awarded, words of encouragement were given to the clients. The
will to create their own support group were instilled in their hearts. From acquaintances that turned
into friends, and friends that turned into best friends, hugs were given and taken. We may be divided
again, but we all came home united with a common cause. I believe that everyone who attended were
empowered, not only those who hold a positive status but also those who support them, like us.