Service Program Components

Component I: BCC-Based Prevention Education

BCC stands for Behavior Change Communication. It is a concept which considers that the final goal of education is not simply to increase knowledge but to modify behavior to achieve lasting change. The program has developed trainings and orientations which emphasize protection and responsible sexual behavior among commercial sex workers, maritime students, hotel and resort workers and owners in Boracay Island, body builders club, homosexuals, adolescents, among other target sectors.

A. BCC-BASED TRAININGS FOR TARGET SPECIFIC AUDIENCES



SAFE SEX STRATEGIES is a one-day orientation tailored for commercial sex workers. It educates them about the different sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, how they are transmitted, their symptoms and effects, possible treatment, and ways of prevention. A highlight of this orientation is the condom demo (different ways of using condom) to protect both partners from possible infection. These orientations are conducted periodically at the Social Hygiene Clinic by a team of resource persons coming from UNFPA-Aklan, Provincial Health Office, Butterfly Brigade, and the Social Hygiene Coordinator. These orientations are usually scheduled to coincide with the routine weekly check-ups of sex workers, as part of the regular monitoring of sex trade establishments/workers by the Provincial Health Office.


HIV/AIDS 101 is a brief orientation course designed by UNFPA-Aklan especially for students. It presents basic facts about HIV/AIDS showing how it is transmitted, how it can be prevented and detected, and where to go for assistance. The picture shows a resource person from Butterfly Brigade giving this course to 60 graduating maritime students in Kalibo. The province is conducting a vigorous information campaign especially targeting maritime students given the alarming statistics showing that 70% of PHAS in the Western Visayas Region are overseas merchant marines. After this orientation, three male students sought the services of the Social Hygiene Clinic for STI/HIV testing.


LIFESKILLS AND RESPONSIBLE SEXUALITY is a two-day seminar for students and out of school youth that teaches them responsible sexual behavior and life skills. Through fun and interactive activities, adolescents identify and analyze potentially risky situations and behaviors, learn about HIV/AIDS and other health issues, and examine and adopt practices and beliefs towards healthy sense of sexuality and total well-being.



Innovative Approaches


INFOTAINMENT. Combining information and entertainment ensures a bigger audience and a painless recall. This is because entertainment engages the audience to be part of the learning process. This picture shows a cultural show organized by the Butterfly Brigade, a gay group working as partners in HIV/AIDS prevention and control.




MACHO MEN NEED PROTECTION TOO. Being symbols of male virility and strength do not make body builders immune to the AIDS virus. After receiving an orientation on HIV/AIDS, the Boracay Hunks, a group of Boracay-based body builders, have made a commitment to become program partners by advocating for safer sex through the correct and consistent use of condoms.






WALKING BILLBOARDS. “ALIMA,” the tattoo artists group in Boracay Island has committed to “Spread the Message and not the Virus” through their body painting depicting BCC-based visuals advocating safer sex and prevention of HIV/AIDS. As tattoo artists, they have also pledged to contribute in the fight against HIV/AIDS by helping prevent transmission of the virus by ensuring the use of sterile needles and body piercing tools and practices.