Students and employees of Mindoro State University (MinSU) gained access to HIV education, counseling, and confidential screening services during a three-day campaign aimed at promoting informed health decisions and addressing discrimination against people living with HIV.
The MinSU Cares: HIV Awareness and Empowerment Drive Phase II runs from October 12 to 14, 2026. The campaign opened at the Calapan Campus on October 12, continued today, October 13, at the Victoria (Main) Campus, and will conclude tomorrow, October 14, at the Bongabong Campus.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Provincial Health Office of Oriental Mindoro, the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital Purple Rain Clinic, and Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines, included discussions on HIV prevention, testing, treatment-related services, and the rights of people living with HIV.
Topics included Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act; sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC); HIV 101; HIV self-testing; and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that helps prevent HIV infection.
Free HIV counseling and onsite screening were also made available to students and employees, providing them with opportunities to seek professional guidance, learn about available health services, and make informed decisions about their well-being.
In his message, Mr. Domenick M. Mortella, Deputy Director of the WGAD of MinSU Victoria (Main) Campus, said HIV awareness must go beyond prevention and include compassion, respect, and inclusion.
He stressed that HIV should not be a reason for fear or discrimination, but an opportunity to correct misconceptions and build a community that treats everyone with dignity.
“Ang HIV ay hindi dapat maging dahilan ng takot, diskriminasyon, o panghuhusga,” Mortella said, emphasizing the importance of accurate information in countering stigma and encouraging responsible health decisions.
Dr. Enya Marie D. Apostol, University President, meanwhile, urged students to view the activity as a source of guidance in making decisions about their health and personal well-being.
“Ang kagandahan ng ganitong activity ay you are not hindered but you are guided,” Dr. Apostol said. “This activity could help you but always remember that you are the first person who will help yourself,” she added.
She also reminded participants to take responsibility for their choices, particularly when it comes to relationships and sexual health.
Across the Calapan and Victoria Main campuses, 238 HIV screening tests have been conducted through the collaborative efforts of the PHO, Purple Rain Clinic, and SHIP. Of these, 131 were conducted at the Victoria Main Campus and 107 at the Calapan Campus.
Through the three-day campaign, MinSU sought to make HIV information and screening services more accessible to its community while encouraging open conversations about a health issue that remains surrounded by misconceptions and stigma.
The university said the initiative forms part of its continuing efforts to promote health awareness, inclusivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of every individual. (jdtdc)
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