On World AIDS Day, Taguig City and LoveYourself will host the Love Gala 2024, a celebration of hope and impactful advocacy. Themed “Eternal Elegance: A Night of a Timeless Love,” the event will focus on establishing a Youth Center in Taguig. This center will serve as a safe and supportive environment, offering essential services like HIV education, prevention, and healthcare tailored for young people.
Pia Wurtzbach: Advocate for HIV/AIDS Awareness
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, a long-standing advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, leads the charge at this year’s gala. Pia will auction exclusive Miss Universe memorabilia during the event, with all proceeds directly funding the new Youth Center. Her involvement highlights the importance of collective action in addressing the HIV epidemic.
Expanding HIV Services in Taguig
The city government of Taguig is a major partner in this initiative, ensuring access to critical services for local youth. Taguig already offers support through its STI, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Program, including:
- Free HIV testing
- Group counseling sessions
- Access to necessary medication
The Youth Center will expand these services, further breaking down stigma and providing a welcoming space for young people to prioritize their health and well-being.
The HIV Crisis in the Philippines
The HIV crisis in the Philippines is escalating, with 58 new cases reported daily, according to data from the Department of Health’s Quarter 2 report. This rising number underscores the urgent need for intervention and widespread awareness. LoveYourself, a leading HIV advocacy group, is already making significant progress in addressing this issue by operating 50 community centers across the country. These centers conduct over 250,000 HIV tests annually and provide treatment to 15,000 clients. They also support 30,000 individuals with PrEP, PEP, and STI management, while reaching millions through their awareness campaigns. Despite these efforts, the need for continued action is clear, and the new Youth Center in Taguig will play a crucial role in expanding access to HIV services and education, particularly for young people in the area.
How You Can Make a Difference
The Love Gala provides a unique opportunity for you to contribute directly to the fight against HIV. By participating in the auction of exclusive Miss Universe memorabilia, you can help raise funds for the Youth Center. All proceeds from Pia Wurtzbach’s auction items will go toward supporting the center, ensuring it can offer HIV education, prevention, and healthcare services to young people in Taguig. Additionally, donations made during the event will further support the creation of this vital space. Your involvement at the Love Gala not only helps create a safe and supportive environment for youth but also strengthens efforts to combat the rising HIV infection rates in the Philippines.
Partners Driving the Event
The success of the Love Gala 2024 is made possible through the collaboration of key partners, each playing an essential role in bringing the event to life. These include the City of Taguig, LoveYourself, the Center for Advanced Dentistry, and IBM in the Philippines. The Office of the First Lady, Tei Endencia, and Events by Ms. P have also been instrumental in ensuring the gala’s execution. Together, these organizations and individuals are uniting to raise awareness and support for HIV advocacy, making a meaningful impact on the fight against HIV in the Philippines. Their combined efforts highlight the importance of partnership in achieving lasting change.
By attending or contributing to Love Gala 2024, you’re not just celebrating hope—you’re taking part in creating a lasting impact for future generations.
