Butuan City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga headed by the Protective Services Division (PSD) Sectoral Unit joined the global community today in commemorating the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, an annual event honoring the lives lost to HIV/AIDS and strengthening awareness on the issue – May 23, 2025.

To reinforce the advocacy to end stigma and correct misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS, the Field Office invited experts who work closely with Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and promote their rights and welfare.

Among the resource persons were Mr. Oscar Clint Villanueva, RN, from the Butuan Medical Center (BMC), and Mr. Anthony Torralba, Regional Program Officer of the PROTECTS UPSCALE – SHIP PSFI. They shared relevant data, facts, and insights with the Angels in Red Vest—DSWD’s staff and personnel—who took part in the memorial.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Paul S. Parajes concluded the program with a heartfelt message, urging everyone to embrace compassion, promote understanding, and remain steadfast in the fight against stigma and discrimination.

“Let us never forget the faces behind the statistics. These are not just numbers; these are our brothers and sisters, our friends, our colleagues — people who deserve to be remembered, and more importantly, whose rights and dignity must continue to be upheld.

As we move forward, may this memorial not simply be a moment of reflection, but a call to action.The DSWD stands firm in its commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of persons living with HIV, to support prevention efforts, and to partner with communities in building a more inclusive and compassionate nation,” he said.

As the candles flickered in solemn remembrance, the event served not only as a tribute to those we have lost, but also as a renewed call to action—to educate, to advocate, and to be a voice for those who may not have one. DSWD Field Office Caraga encourages everyone to join the movement—to speak up, reach out, and help build a community where acceptance prevails and every person can live without fear or shame.