Around 35,000 attended the 12th Lights of Bago, which recently took place at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Complex in Bago City. Mayor Nicholas Yulo called this year’s event “meaningful” as it has also become a venue to raise awareness on the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), along with gender equality.
The mayor said HIV/AIDS cases are on an “alarming trend” and that increased awareness is necessary.
Yulo said they coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, City Health Office, Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center, and non-government organization Red Whistle.
“Red Whistle aims to inspire and empower individuals to be agents of positive action within the HIV/AIDS advocacy and be a catalyst for collaborations between communities, organizations, and government units for a unified multi-sector response to the HIV epidemic,” the organization notes on their website./DGB, WDJ