Small Victories

Today the countdown begins; 10 days before World AIDS Day 2008, on our 3rd year without external financial support, its amazing how everyone still seems to be geared towards making sure we keep the PROMISE and the TRADITION, what with just the recent Monster Mud Flood and freaky Frank, with 12 feet flood waters in some places, we lost much of our office resources (read: computers, files, materials, will power, and beauty) Not to mention one member (sorely missed, she comes earliest in the meetings AND has never missed a meeting)Miss, Marlyn of the DOLE
Almost all of the Government partner agencies have lost the same resources, and a lot of resources would understandably have to go to recovering from the disaster. . Like the sphinx, we rose not from the ashes but from the mud.
Everyone is (surprisingly) very excited about this year's celebrations, maybe an effort to get back on track and leave the bad memories of freaky frank behind and move on to things that needs to get done.
As secretariat of the Aklan PAC, we are in charge of coordinating, organizing events of the council and mobilizing resources for these events, You can just imagine the daunting task we have to face this year, with minimal resources even then, and now so much more depleted by freaky frank.
But we are moving on and pushing forward, THE STRENGTH IS WITHIN, so we ask here and there, and this year, we have on their (3rd year too) the USPCV, using their own resources to help Aklan, Governor Marquez, a staunch supporter of the prevention programme has signed request for the use of Deangpan as the free lodging for the USPCV as Counterpart and he will also sponsor the Audio System for use during the Public Prevention Education on December 4 at Pastrana Park.
Generously, The Municipality of Kalibo, will again ( for the 3rd year too) host the provincial celebration, with full support from Mayor Reymar Rebaldo.
Then not the one to beat, The Department of Education, led by Dr. Victorina Laroza, will once again mobilize( this time 9 private schools) within Kalibo to host the orientations on STI,HIV and AIDS Prevention that will be done by the US PCV, grateful thanks to Ma'am Rose Meren, who has always facilitated these prevention education efforts. In Kalibo alone we are targeting 2,000 young people, plus the thousands more to be reached in the other 9 municipalities celebrating.
The PNP, led by P/Ins Larry Dela Cena, thru POI, Nilda Gregas, will be part of the School Based Orientations to facilitate such topics as substance use and abuse and lifeskills.
These are some little victories, that make the AIDS Council stronger.
more will be up on this site as we get closer to the Big Week and as more pledges of support come in.
This is just to let everyone know that ( no matter how cliche) In Aklan we are TOGETHER - To-Get-There.
Mabuhay ang Aklanon,
I can almost hear the beat of the drums. Its WADSADSAD Again!