HIV/AIDS awareness gala oozes love

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos graced the Love Gala 2024 recently in Taguig City. Love Gala is an annual charity event in celebration of World AIDS Day. The event was organized by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey.

“Huge congratulations to the amazing team behind Love Gala 2024!” the First Lady said.

“Your unwavering dedication to raising awareness and supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS is truly inspiring.”

According to Mrs. Marcos, advocates, donors, and supporters who have supported the Love Gala have made “a real difference” in many lives.

Since 2023, the First Lady has been advocating for free healthcare services across the country through the “Lab for All” program.

She emphasized that healthcare for all Filipinos should be a priority.

With the theme “Love Gala: Eternal Elegance — A Night of Timeless Love,” Wurtzbach hosted a charity auction of memorabilia from her journey in the Miss Universe pageant.

Loveyourself, the organization that hosts the annual Love Gala, supports individuals living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Gowns, sashes, swimsuits, heels, earrings, robes, and journals belonging to the third Filipina Miss Universe were up for bidding.

According to the Loveyourself organization, proceeds from the auction will directly support the Youth Center for Taguig, which will provide vital services and address the challenges faced by the youth.

“The center will create a safe space for young people to access education, prevention, and treatment related to HIV,” the organization said.

The city government of Taguig, for its part, expressed its commitment to prioritizing its HIV/AIDS prevention and control program.

According to the Department of Health, HIV cases in the Philippines are expected to hit 215,000 by year-end. The DoH has called for interventions such as practicing safe sex and regular testing for AIDS.