A fun run is one of the popular fitness events that draw large attention from fitness buffs or hobbyists alike. And although it is still a race, where winners are called, and winning loot bags, raffle prizes, and cash prizes are craved after, most runners join fun runs because of the socialization part. Needless to say, running along with your peers, meeting new runners and socializing after the run goes beyond the competition.
Because of the popularity of fun runs, it also became a venue for a list of advocacy issues, just like the recently held ‘Fun Run for AIDS Awareness and Prevention.’ Hosted by KC Montero, the World AIDS Day Run 2015 was held last December 5 at McKinley West in Taguig City. It was sponsored and organized by DKT Philippines, the supplier of Premiere Condoms in the country.
Seeing the alarming increase to 22 newly diagnosed HIV cases per day for 2015, non-government organizations like the Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI) are finding new venues to intensify its campaign for HIV awareness and education. Yet, PAFPI needs all the help it can get, especially in financially sustaining its advocacy campaign.
Fortunately, PAFPI was named as one of the recipients of the fun run. “It is the first ever fun run organized by DKT Philippines and we are just happy that PAFPI was named as one of the beneficiaries for this event,” shares Rodel Navarra, Chief Operating Officer of PAFPI. He explains that the Php 50,000 they received is a big amount that PAFPI will spend wisely, especially on the education on the different modes of HIV transmission and it’s prevention.
Although lots of Filipinos already know what HIV is, thanks to the continuous education effort of different stakeholders, Navarra explains that many are still engaging in unprotected sex. “If you can’t help it, just use a condom. It is the easiest way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases and infections, including HIV.”
“We need events like this to promote the use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV, but also to correct the myth and misconceptions about condom use,” he further explains. Navarra also adds that some PAFPI volunteers and officer joined the race. “The event served as a venue for us to advocate for HIV and AIDS education and awareness, and we need events like this to reach a broader audience.”
