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The 2025 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, themed “We Remember, We Rise, We Lead!”, was
hosted by Mr. Darrel Jesus Hernandez, RN, of the Tagaytay City Health Office. The event was
spearheaded by the Tagaytay City Health Office in collaboration with the City College of Tagaytay.
The memorial was held at the CCT gymnasium on May 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is commemorated annually every third week of May to
honor those who have died of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and to raise awareness
about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
Participants included students from various schools, student leaders of the Supreme Student Council
(SSC), Education Society, LGBTQIA+ .
According to Mr. Darrel Jesus Hernandez, RN, the candlelight memorial serves as a remembrance of
how far HIV has spread and evolved from one generation to the next. It pays tribute to those who passed
away due to AIDS, especially during the early ages when there were no available antiretroviral
treatments to control the virus. He shared that HIV testing was initially conducted in prisons, which
were once believed to have high infection rates. In 2024, the Tagaytay City Health Office began
collaborating with student leaders from various schools, and in 2025, they partnered with the City
College of Tagaytay to further promote awareness. He emphasized the correct and respectful term for
individuals with HIV is PLHIV (People Living with HIV).
Carlos Cobre, a Supreme Student Council officer, stated in his opening message “As a member of the
LGBT community, this event is more than standing for those who died of the virus — it’s about standing
in solidarity.”
The event began with participants introducing themselves individually.
Dr. Deus Alexis Angcaya, OIC of the Tagaytay City Health Office, presented essential facts about
AIDS. He noted that HIV is the primary cause of AIDS and is transmitted through sexual contact, shared
needles, and exposure to infected bodily fluids. He recalled that in the 1980s, HIV/AIDS was wrongly
referred to as GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency), a term recognized as discriminatory and sexist.
He stressed that HIV does not discriminate by age, and people of any age can be infected. He
encouraged safe sexual practices, ending stigma and discrimination, and supporting PLHIV, as
suppressive is now accessible and effective.
Each participant received a candle as they offered a prayer for the Philippine observance of the
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2025. The prayer called for guidance, strength, and hope for
those still living in fear, and asked for light to dispel the darkness of stigma and discrimination. This was
followed by the Pledge of Solidarity, where they pledged to unite in the fight against the spread of HIV
and support those affected.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants in recognition of their
involvement and support.
With HIV cases rising in the Philippines, this serves as a call to hold more seminars to increase
awareness and knowledge about the issue.
CCT and Tagaytay Health Office Hold 2025 AIDS Candlelight Memorial
On May 27, 2025, students gathered at the City College of Tagaytay gymnasium for the International
AIDS Candlelight Memorial, themed “We Remember, We Rise, We Lead!”
The event was organized by the Tagaytay City Health Office in partnership with CCT and was hosted by
Mr. Darrel Jesus Hernandez, RN Nurse, Tagaytay City Health Office.
The memorial is observed annually in May to honor those who have died from AIDS or Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome and to raise awareness about HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
It was participated by students from various schools, student leaders from the Supreme Student Council,
Education Society, and members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Mr. Darrel Jesus Hernandez said the memorial serves as a great reminder for everyone of how HIV has
affected many people over the years. In his words, there was a time when no medicine was available, and many
lost their lives. He added that early HIV testing was conducted in prisons, which were known to have high
infection rates. Since 2024, the Tagaytay City Health Office has worked with student leaders to spread HIV
awareness. He also emphasized using the respectful term PLHIV for People Living with HIV.
Supreme Student Council officer, Carlos Cobre expressed his thoughts in the opening message: “As a
member of the LGBT community, this event is more than remembering those who died. It is about standing
together in solidarity.”
The event began with participants introducing themselves one by one , followed by a message. Mr.
Deus Alexis Angcaya, OIC of the Tagaytay City Health Office. He explained that HIV is mainly transmitted
through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of needles, and contact with bodily fluids. He mentioned that in
the 1980s, HIV/AIDS was wronly called GRID or otherwise Gay-Related Immune Deficiency, a term that was
discriminatory and sexist. He reminded everyone that HIV can affect anyone, regardless of age and sex, and
with rising treatment he encouraged everyone to stop discrimination and support those living with HIV.
Participants lit their candles and offered prayers for strength and hope, asking for an end to stigma and
fear. They then took a Pledge of Solidarity to support the fight against the said virus.The event ended with the
distribution of certificates to all participants.
With HIV rising cases in the Philippines, this serves as a call to hold more seminars to increase
awareness and knowledge about this concern.
