Doctors and nurses at a Laguna-based medical facility have staged a fashion show to raise funds for patients afflicted with human immunodeficiency syndrome or HIV.
Coinciding with World AIDS Day, healthcare workers of The Medical City South Luzon walked the runway for a cause on Dec. 1 at the Monochrome event center in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Dr. Cesar Espiritu, president and chief executive of TMCSL , thanked the sponsors who helped them raise P100,000 for the Positive Action Foundation Inc., a non-government organization known for its advocacy on assisting HIV patients.
Espiritu said the fashion show was in partnership with the Center for Reproductive Health and STI Treatment.
“We also find it an effective way to reawaken awareness on HIV treatment and prevention—on top of the pledges we got from our sponsors, who in turn would be helping HIV patients who could not afford the cost of treatment.
At the sidelights of the event dubbed as “Red Gala Unmasked,” Espiritu said that people infected with HIV should seriously consider treatment. “It’s no longer a death sentence as many thought it is. It’s not the end of the world for them.”
TMCSL chief operating officer Dr. Jose Juliano described the fund-raising activity as their “small contribution” with artistic expression, while rekindling awareness and advancing progress on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world.
“This walk on the runway for a cause is just a part of how we wish to return the blessings we’ve been getting for the last two years,” said Espiritu. He underscored the need to educate the younger generation on ways to stay away and safe from transmissible diseases like HIV-AIDS and COVID-19.
Among those who took part in the second Walk on the Runway for a Cause were Medical Center chief Dr. Norman Manlapaz, HICEC chair Dr.Jesus Julio Ancheta and CREST clinical head Dr.Mark Kristoff Pasayan.
Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas lauded TMCSL for its corporate social responsibility by way of sustaining its advocacy “complementing” government efforts even as she appealed on HIV-positive persons to undergo treatment and share their insights on fighting HIV-AIDS.
