The DILG Regional V in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) V,  thru the Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAAT) conducted a one-day orientation for local chief executives and functionaries on the establishment of  STI, HIV and AIDS Response on November 12, 2010 at the AVP  Hall, Tahao Road, Legazpi City. Local chief executives and functionaries from seven local government units namely, the province of Catanduanes, the cities of Naga , Masbate and  Ligao and the municipalities of Donsol and Pilar in Sorsogon and Virac in  Catanduanes. Specifically, the participants were city/municipal mayors, chairmen on Health and Appropriations Committees of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Panglungsod/Bayan, city/municipal health officers and DILG local government operations officers.

The activity was held in order to provide the participants basic knowledge on the STI, HIV and AIDS scenario in Bicol Region, raise the level of awareness among local elected officials and functionaries on the negative impact of STI, HIV and AIDS on their development programs and to adapt appropriate measures and mechanisms to address local HIV/AIDS issues.

The overview of the activity was discussed by LGOO V Susan Emce Santiago followed by the lecture on HIV 101 and national and local STI, HIV and AIDS scenario by Dr. Ferchito Avelino, Chairman, Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC) Secretariat.   The second speaker was Mr. Patrick Omar Erestain, LGA-UNDP Program Coordinator on HIV and AIDS  who tackled the Importance of Local AIDS Response.

Hon. Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro shared her experiences as the Local Chief Executive  of the City of Tabaco particularly in the formulation of policies and strategies implemented  to address the challenges and issues on STI, HIV and AIDS.

The activity was concluded by a workshop by the participants to come up with the LGU action plans on  how to  address HIV/AIDS. –(LGOO V Ma. Cristina L. Bahillo)