Rev. Fr. Manuel Abogado III, Director of the Archdiocese of Manila Ministry on Healthcare has a reminder to the youth during the celebration of National AIDS Sunday last December 1, 2019. Fr. Abogado reminded the young people about the need to be very careful with their desire and eagerness to explore, especially in matters of sexuality. Their curiosity, according to him, can be a factor that could lead to sexually transmitted diseases.

“Malaking apektado talaga yung mga youth 15 to 34 years old kung tutuusin at kailangan talagang magsumikap na mag-abstain, maging faithful, lalong lalo na sa ating pananampalatayang Katoliko, kung hindi man katoliko yung relasyon sa Diyos. Magsumikap na magtimpi, magtiis, huwag basta-basta magpadala sa pita ng laman,” Fr. Abogado said during his homily.

Photo Credit: Yana Villajos /Radio Veritas

Fr. Abogado, who led the celebration of the Holy Mass held at the San Roque Cathedral in Kalookan for the First Sunday of Advent encouraged those who suffer from HIV-AIDS to remain hopeful.

“Ngayon ay unang linggo sa panahon ng adbiyento at ang unang kandila na sinindihan ay sumisimbulo sa pag-asa, hindi porket maysakit ang isang tao wala nang pag-asa pa. Ipanalangin natin na makatawid tayo to be able to pass over from sin to salvation, from death to life, from sickness to health… Hindi mawalan ng pag-asa sa mga may sakit, kung susundin lamang yung therapy at magiging maayos na babaguhin yung lifestyle hindi na magiging tulad ng dati, mayroong pag-asa,” Fr. Abogado said

According to the United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS there are up to 77 thousand people or so-called People Living with HIV in the Philippines. However, there are only about 62 thousand of them have been reported and diagnosed. (Jheng M. Prado/RCAM-AOC)