By PIA-CAR
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (PIA) — As concerns over rising HIV cases continue, the SIGLAT-Baguio Youth Innovation Hub is intensifying its efforts to engage young people in conversations on sexual health, rights, and inclusive communities.
Through the Respond Project: Community Action for Rights Empowerment and Education Initiative, SIGLAT, in partnership with the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Baguio-Benguet Chapter, recently gathered students and youth participants for a day of interactive learning focused on issues that directly affect their sector.
SIGLAT is an initiative of the City Government of Baguio through the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office.
“We try to reach universities, schools, and organizations so they can participate… At the same time, we also act as a promoter and funder for activities like this. We believe in the advocacy and the cause of these workshops,” SIGLAT Project Technical Staff Engr. Pedro Fernando F. Maranan said.
Maranan said that the most effective way to combat the rising HIV cases is through awareness.
“We want the workshops we deliver to come from the right people, from experts and professionals. That way, the knowledge that we share is accurate and meaningful… This is what we provide in the workshops, and why we continue to reach out to the youth,” he said.
Student Kyls Ethan Dabien said the sessions help mobilize people to act to resolve issues and concerns in society.
“Even though hindi ko naman na-experience yung mga problema na na-mention first-hand, nakikita ko talaga yung effects nito sa society. These seminars prepare and guide not just the youth but other people to start action to resolve or help fix the problems we have in society,” Dabien said.
The workshops also helped the students understand the complexities of LGBTQ+ identities.
“‘Yung knowledge ko on LGBTQ+ po is that it only goes through pansexual and asexual pero ngayon ko lang na-encounter yung minsexual at finsexual. I learned that attraction doesn’t only go with sex or gender, but also how others present themselves,” participant Eloissa Mae Aguimbag said.
“Hindi lang naman diretso na lecture, it also has interaction with the audience, which allows us not only to learn but also to interact in a fun and entertaining way,” participant Khryzzle Bilag also said.
With plans to extend its reach through university partnerships and youth-centered programs, SIGLAT continues to empower Baguio’s young people to become informed, proactive, and inclusive members of society. (JDP/DEG-PIA-CAR w/ BSU intern Xyzza Luzano)
