In celebration of HIV Awareness Month, the Bacolod Justice Zone, in partnership with the Bagani Community Center, conducted HIV awareness, prevention, and testing activities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in three Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities this week.
A total of 112 PDLs were tested at the BJMP facilities in Taculing and Handumanan in Bacolod City and Victorias City as part of this initiative, Project Chair Mhel Enderes Sillador said on Friday, June 20.
Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Blanche Bolunia, Bacolod Justice Zone Convenor, emphasized the significance of extending HIV-related services to PDLs.
“They are an at‑risk and often underserved group and it is vital that we make HIV awareness, prevention and testing accessible to them. This initiative is a step towards ensuring that their health and well‑being are not overlooked,” Bolunia said.
Sillador thanked the Bagani Community Center, the BJMP and other stakeholders for making the initiative possible.
“We deeply thank our partners for supporting this endeavor and making it a reality. We hope this collaboration will evolve into a sustainable program that promotes HIV prevention, early detection and care for PDLs in the long term,” Sillador said.
This initiative highlights the commitment of the Bacolod Justice Zone and its partners to promoting public health and upholding the dignity and rights of PDLs, he said.
Through HIV education, testing and ongoing collaboration, the program aims to create a more inclusive and responsive approach to the well‑being of those in the justice and corrections system, Sillador said.*