By Kasharelle Javier

With the theme ‘Your Status, Your Power,’ the Far Eastern University (FEU) Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) conducted free HIV testing and counseling, aiming to promote inclusivity and destigmatize misconceptions linking HIV to one’s Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), held at The Huddle, Education Building last October 27.

HIV is a virus that weakens the body’s immune system by attacking CD4 or helper T cells, which are crucial for aiding the immune system to fight against diseases such as tuberculosis, infections, and cancers. Without proper and immediate treatment, the infection may lead to AIDS.

The virus can be transmitted through the body fluids of an infected person, such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids. However, HIV cannot be passed through kisses, hugs, or sharing food. 

According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, at least 57 Filipinos are diagnosed with HIV every day this year. The number of new HIV cases has increased by 550% from 4,400 in 2010 to 29,600 in 2024. By 2025, around 252,800 Filipinos are estimated to be living with HIV. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, FEU SAGA President Neo Anthony Toralde, emphasized the importance of accessible HIV testing and counseling to everyone, regardless of their SOGIESC, amid the rising number of cases, especially among teenagers.

“With the recent reports of cases of HIV, especially with teenagers, we want to show not only here in school but also outside na safe ‘yung pagpapa-test, na it’s not gender exclusive. Lagi namin pinaglalaban na HIV is not gender exclusive, meaning that regardless of your SOGIESC, mahahawa’t mahahawa ka sa virus without the enough and proper knowledge,” Toralde stated.

The FEU SAGA President shared that the rise in HIV cases in the country can be attributed to the lack of knowledge in terms of HIV testing and the absence of proper caution among the youth.

Toralde also added that the organization’s initiatives aim to provide factual information and help destigmatize HIV testing among students by ensuring that students have easier access to it within the University, noting that while some local clinics offer free testing, they remain limited and inaccessible. 

Toralde urged everyone to get tested and help break the stigma that unfairly associates HIV solely with the LGBTQIA+ community, citing the heavy burden and discrimination experienced by individuals living with HIV.

“HIV is not gender exclusive. Mainly to destigmatize din na sana hindi na sa amin nakakabit because napakahirap at napakabigat when you are accusing someone na they are living with HIV because mayroong kaakibat na bigat, at siyempre, concern na pangkalusugan pagdating doon sa mga indibidwal na living with HIV talaga. So kung mabigat siya para sa buong community, if negative ones sila, what if doon sa mga living with HIV?” the FEU SAGA President stressed.

According to Toralde, while the initiative began in 2022 under FEU SAGA and was continued by the FEU Red Cross Youth Council in 2024, they noticed a decline in participation. This prompted the organization’s goal to reach around 120 to 170 participants and to further boost awareness and testing involvement within the University.

He also added that student-led initiatives are impactful as they represent the genuine call of the youth for awareness and action. He hopes that HIV testing initiatives will continue within FEU and urges other universities to implement similar projects.

Meanwhile, the FEU SAGA President ensured that the HIV testing and counseling process was conducted in a safe, confidential, and inclusive manner by securing a venue and implementing strict media protocols, such as prohibiting face photographs among participants to prevent stigma and maintain confidentiality.

In addition, Toralde called on the government to make HIV testing and counselling more accessible across the country to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get tested and receive proper education about the virus.

He also encouraged Tamaraws to maximize opportunities like the free HIV testing initiated by the organization to know their status, emphasizing that it is not always offered in local health centers, making school-based initiatives like this more valuable.

“Sana ‘wag silang matatakot na makapagpa-test anytime they want to and anytime they feel. Ang HIV testing naman ay laging free sa mga clinic so sana they maximize these opportunities lalo na nasa school lang siya kasi hindi lahat ng mga medical facilities sa mga barangay ay may HIV testing. Sana sa mga ganito is mas ma-utilize pa nila na hindi sila natatakot to know their status,” the FEU SAGA President expressed.

Drag artists z3ta and Splendid also performed in the middle of the seminar to promote inclusivity and self-expression as part of FEU SAGA’s advocacy.

FEU SAGA will conduct a women’s health seminar, along with an invited endocrinologist, obstetrician, and gynecologist for a free check-up for women within the FEU community, next month. 

On November 25, the organization will also conduct an outreach program with Project Duyan, a program that provides assistance and support to children living with HIV in the Philippines.

(Photo by Thea Danielle Morin/FEU Advocate)