ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Investments have paid off with the following program returns:

Increased Demand for Orientation.

In the 3rd quarter of 2006, the Aklan pool of trainers on HIV/AIDS received numerous requests for HIV/AIDS orientations in schools, communities, and workplaces. From July-September, 10 orientations were held reaching 800 students, 200 workers, and 50 couples.

Increased Health Seeking Behavior.

The Social Hygiene Clinic has recorded an unprecedented increase in the number of clients who have sought Pap smear services. In 2005, total smeared was 3,518. Of the total number of Pap smear clients in 2005, 97% are commercial sex workers.

Decrease in STD Cases.

Composite statistics on sexually transmitted diseases showed a trend of decline. In 2004, STD cases dropped by 27 % from 939 cases to 688 in 2005.

Heightened Spirit of Volunteerism.

The program is experiencing an unprecedented rise of volunteerism from its program partners, especially among the youth and government agency partners. UNFPA-TAP Aklan has currently 3 youth volunteers who make the rounds of school orientations as resource persons on HIV/AIDS. Government agencies are also doing an active role, particularly the DOLE, TESDA and Department of Education – facilitating the conduct of HIV/AIDS orientations in workplaces.


Replication and Recognition.

In recognition of its leading work in HIV/AIDS programming, Aklan was tapped to host the Regional Consultative Planning and Network Building Initiatives on HIV/AIDS in Region 6 on June 2006. In the same year, Aklan hosted six Observation Study Tours from the various UNFPA 6th CPA project sites. The study groups have signified intention to replicate Aklan’s strategies and activities in their areas. In November 2006, a team of Aklanon trainers were sent to Ifugao to help in the replication of the Butterfly Brigade project, or the organizing of a vulnerable sector as program partners in HIV/AIDS work. In addition, Aklan has played host to numerous dignitaries, namely Dr. Zahidul Huque of UNFPA Philippines, Dr. Jean Marc Olive of World Health Organization, Mr. Anders Thomsen of UNFPA New York, national officials of UNAIDS and UNFPA, and a team of foreign media men who covered Aklan’s HIV/AIDS work in the communities.


Program Sustainability.

In an unprecedented show of support to the program, the Department of Education issued a memorandum to all private and public schools enjoining them to mark World AIDS Day 2006. This move replicates a similar and earlier action of support by the local government units. Two municipalities, Makato and Boracay, have been holding their own World AIDS Day and World Population Celebrations since 2004, and have passed a number of ordinances providing budgetary support for activities on HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

POLICIES SUPPORTING AND SUSTAINING THE HIV/AIDS PROGRAM INITIATIVE

SB Resolution No. 2002-1000
Resolution supporting the Reproductive Health Program of the Department of Health being implemented by the Rural Health Unit

Executive Order No. 2002-07
nOrganization of Municipal IEC/Advocacy Team

Executive Order No. 2002-07
nReorganization of Municipal IEC/Advocacy Team to include the action officer

MIAT Resolution No. 02-2002
nResolution requesting the PROCESS PANAY INC.for a partnership in the implementation of the RH Program of UNFPA –POPCOM in the CBI and Non-CBI Barangays

MIAT Resolution No. 04-2003
nResolution Endorsing Resolution No. 01-2003 of Cayangwan IEC Advocacy Team requesting financial assistance from Congresswoman Gabrielle V. Calizo for the construction of Youth Tambayan Center

MIAT Resolution No. 03-2003
nResolution requesting the Sangguniang Bayan of Makato to create the position of Municipal Population Officer

MIAT Resolution No. 08-2003
nResolution requesting the Municipal Development Council to increase the appropriation for Reproductive Health Fund from P220,000.00 to P250,000.00

Executive Order No. 2004-03
nAmending Executive Order No. 11s. 2002 and Reconstituting the Municipal IEC/Advocacy Team

MIAT Resolution No. 04-04
nResolution approving the celebration of World Population Day and requesting an appropriation of P37,000.00 from the RH and GAD Fund

MIAT Resolution No. 08-2004
nResolution requesting the Sangguniang Bayan of Makato to approve the holding of World AIDS Day every last Friday of November.

A major accomplishment towards program sustainability was achieved with the signing of Executive Order No. 16 in March 2006 by Gov. Carlito Marquez which restructured the Provincial AIDS Council, and more significantly, stipulated its budget allocation within the Provincial Development Fund.

Sangguniang Bayan Initiated Policies

SB Resolution No. 03-213
nResolution Endorsing MIAT Resolution No. 04-2003

Ordinance No. 03-41
nAn ordinance creating the Position of the Municipal Population Officer I in the Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Officer

Approved Annual Investment Plan
nThru the initiative of the Committee on Appropriation

SB Resolution No. 03-207
nResolution supporting the celebration of “World Population Day” every 11th day of July

Executive Order No. 2003-14
nCreating and organizing the Municipal Adolescent Reproductive Health Task Force

SB Resolution No. 03-220
nResolution requesting the Provincial Management Unit, 5th Country Program of Assistance (UNFPA), Provincial Health Office (PHO), to conduct trainings and seminars on Adolescent Reproductive Health for Cayangwan Aglucay Reproductive Health Organization and other Secondary Schools

SB Resolution No. 04-20
nResolution declaring last Friday of November as “World AIDS Day Celebration ” in the Municipality of Makato

SB Resolution No. 05-125
nResolution endorsing MIAT Resolution No. 2005-01 “Supporting the National Directorate Resolution of the League of Mayors of the Philippines pushing for the implementation of Reproductive Health Program and Responsible Parenthood.