The competition was organized by the City Health Office of Taguig through the Taguig Social Hygiene Clinic and Drop-in Center. The singing contest's theme, "Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right," aimed to expand awareness and promote empathy and support for those affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), particularly among the youth.
Taguig Science High School secured the second place, while Pitogo High School took the third spot. The students' a cappella performances focused on songs about love for fellow humans, giving hope, inspiration, and understanding. They also performed Christmas carols.
Following this, the Taguig City Government also honored the Top 3 HIV Testing Champions - health centers with the highest number of individuals tested for HIV from November 18 to 22, 2024.
Barangay Pinagsama Health Center, with 3,243 individuals tested, took the top spot. Barangay North Signal Health Center, where 3,017 individuals were tested, placed second, while Barangay Western Bicutan Health Center, with 2,811 tested individuals, secured the third spot.
In the Philippines, an estimated 1,300 people died from AIDS in 2022, and around 11,000 children have been orphaned due to their parents' AIDS related deaths, as per the most recent count in 2022.
Approximately 190,000 people in the Philippines are currently living with HIV. The National Capital Region (NCR) continues to hold the highest number of HIV cases in the country.
(Photos from Taguig Social Hygiene Clinic and Drop-in Center)
