The City Government of Mabalacat City through the Rural Health Unit II spearheaded a gay beauty pageant dubbed as “Binibining Ikatlong Lahi 2016” to promote awareness on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunideficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually-transmitted diseases.
Julia Montes (his screen name), 32, a resident of Barangay Camachiles was crowned as the city’s HIV Ambassadress during the the first ever ‘Binibining Ikatlong Lahi 2016’ competition.
Montes was joined by the other titlists namely Pauleen Luna (4th runner-up), Arci Muñoz (3rd runner-up), Keisha Dizon (2nd runner–up) and Kaye Montero (1st runner-up). They are mandated to promote the City Health Office’s multi-faceted services and efforts for a zero HIV/AIDS in Mabalacat City.
“Since unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse among males having sex with males (MSM) is the highest form of transmission among the modes of transmission of HIV and AIDS, we decided to focus on MSM in this year’s celebration of World AIDS Day,” STI, HIV and AIDS Nurse Coordinator Marjorie Morales said.
According to Department of Health, people living with HIV rose from 2 in 1984 to 835 by 2009. From 2009 to 2010, the number of people living with HIV doubled to 1,591 as more men who have sex with men contracted HIV. Health records indicate that 81 percent of the approximately 35,000 cases of HIV recorded between 1984 and June 2016 were men who had sex with men.
“With this, we are encouraging Mabalaqueños to visit the nearest Rural Health Unit from their barangay and get tested for free. Privacy and confidentiality are our priority,” Morales added.
Moreover, Morales thanked Mabalacat City Mayor Boking Morales, Vice Mayor Christian Halili, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, City Health Officer Dra Aquino, Rural Health Unit II Physician and STI, HIV and AIDS Medical Coordinator Dr. Freddie Anunciacion, Nurse Jenna Ruiz and Peer Counselor Edison Masangqui for supporting the gay beauty contest.
