Positive Action Foundation Philippines Incorporated (PAFPI) was formed in 1998 by Joshua Formentera who is the founding president with the help of other persons living with HIV Philippines and AIDS (PLWHAs) and their uninfected families. This non-profit organization has a mission to empower people with HIV / AIDS and their families to live a normal, happy and productive life in the mainstream of a supportive society. The said organization also is continuing the fight for HIV Philippines and AIDS prevention and control by facilitating support responses to the needs of PLWHAs and their families. This is done through the provision of appropriate care and support services. PAFPI believes in the greater involvement of positive people in the national response to HIV Philippines and AIDS, a belief that actively pursues both the organization and advocacy programs.
PAFPI’s success lies in the fact that most of its PLWHA volunteers are now employed as project staff in its various projects. A majority of the staff and board members of the organization is HIV positive. PAFPI has gained the recognition, trust and confidence of PLWHAs and funding agencies as an organization directly involved in care and support services. The organization successfully conducted the First, Second and the Third National Consultation Process with PLWHAs and convened the First National Consensus Meeting of PLWHAs, resulting in the adoption of the Manila Manifesto of Filipinos Living with HIV/AIDS, which forms the basis of PAFPI’s future planning, and advocacy and lobbying efforts.
PAFPI has been an instrument to free Anti Retroviral treatment (ARV) for HIV Philippines.
This non-profit organization has been instrumental in ensuring free Anti Retroviral treatment for HIV for all Filipinos. Our efforts have, however, not ended with this success. The free ARV treatment means that many more people can survive than ever before. These people are often met with rejection by friends and family. Many are kicked out of their home and find themselves alone in the streets.
For more than 15 years, PAFPI has provided temporary shelter for thousands of vulnerable people living with HIV Philippines and their families. PAFPI’s Abot–Kamay Drop–in Center (AK) and Bahay Kanlungan (BK, literally “home–care”) provide a half-way home for these persons during a very difficult time in their lives.
Through a drop-in center, PAFPI will contribute to a vision of a world where people living with HIV Philippines live healthy lives free from prejudice and discrimination.
Those who have benefited from this project include families with children, deported and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), as well those people from the provinces who need to access ARV treatment and medical check-up in the cities. These centers also serve as venues for PAFPI-sponsored trainings, seminars and one-on-one counseling and HIV and treatment information.
The demands for these services are booming due to the increasing infection rate. We are working hard to ensure that our shelters will be sustainable on a long-term basis.
