Mariano Marcos
State University

HIV/AIDS advocates speak at MMSU ahead of Valentine’s Day

By Wimbledon Bosque
 

A day before Valentine’s Day, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) invited HIV/AIDS advocates for a community health forum titled “Friday the 13th with Love” at the College of Medicine Conference Hall.
 

Dr. Ryan Guinaran, Country Program Manager of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Philippines, presented a closer look at the health conditions of communities on safer and healthier lifestyles and practices. He shared things the youth can do to combat new infections, AIDS-related deaths, stigma, and discrimination in Philippine communities.
 

Reporting on the Ilocos Norte data of HIV/AIDS cases, Dr. Rickson Balalio, Provincial Health Officer, shared the data trends of the province and explained its implications for a safer and healthier community.
 

Meanwhile, Atty. Brian Jay Corpuz, Dean of the College of Law, discussed the existing health policies in safe and healthy community development. He stressed on the role of responsible legislation and institutional accountability in public health protection.
 

The forum, attended by student councils and MMSU faculty members, centered on an HIV/AIDS information drive amid growing public health concerns and the continuing need for awareness, prevention, and stigma-free conversations within the community.
 

As part of the forum, the “Red Love Box” was also launched in observance of the 2026 International Condom Day. This features condoms packaged in a four-box series featuring Filipino terms and Baybayin Art to make safer sex accessible.
 

The event was an initiative of the Extension Directorate in partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Philippines, College of Medicine, and College of Health Sciences. 
 

Extension Director Marlowe Aquino thanked the MMSU community and partner agencies. He also encouraged everyone to enjoy the Valentine’s season while thinking about important takeaways for healthy and happy relationships.