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HIV/AIDS AWARENESS

   The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing rates of HIV infection in the world. The country is one of only nine countries globally where the number of new HIV cases has increased by over 25 per cent, with new HIV infections among 15 to 19-year-olds increasing by 50 per cent from 2010 to 2014.

   Two HIV/AIDS cases were first recorded in the Philippines in 1984. According to the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (DOH), the total number of HIV/AIDS cases over 26 years is 4,424; 3,592 are asymptomatic and 832 are AIDS cases. However, in 2008 UNAIDS estimated a higher number of cases at 8,300. A recent article in the Journal of the International AIDS Society warns that while the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been characterized as "low and slow," given the country's conservative culture, high circumcision rates, and low injection drug use, contrasting factors suggest that the epidemic will soon increase, given the low rates of condom usage, increasing sexual activity, the return of Filipino migrant workers from high prevalence settings, and misconceptions and lack of education regarding HIV/AIDS and how it is transmitted. 

    In December 2009, 125 new HIV cases were confirmed by the DOH, a staggering 232% increase compared to the same period last year (n=38 in 2008). Seventy-three percent of HIV-positive individuals are male, and sexual contact accounts for 90% of HIV transmission. The infections are concentrated among sexual workers, MSM, IDUs, and overseas contract workers.

    Current trends in Philippine HIV infection are shifting to MSM and younger populations; the age range associated with the most infections has shifted from 30 to 39 years of age to 20 to 29 years of age. Infection through homosexual contact increased from 40% in 2008 to almost 70% in 2009. The main focus of the government is to partner with the private sector to provide the poor with shelter, while HIV/AIDS prevention focuses primarily on awareness-raising, treatment, care, and support. While there are a myriad of government agencies and civil society organizations addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic or the housing crisis, no organization addresses the housing needs of disadvantaged groups such as the elderly, disabled, or PLWHA. 

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Palawan: Top Choice Destination

   Palawan is an archipelagic province of the Philippines that is located in the region of MIMAROPA. It is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. It's capital os the City of Puerto Princesa,but the city is governed independently from the province as a highly urbanized city.    

    The islands of Palawan stretch between Mindoro in the Northeast and Borneo in the Southeast. It lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The province is named after its largest Island, Palawan Island, measuring 450 kilometers (280 MI) long and 50 kilometers(31 MI) wide.  

   Palawan is blessed with fascinating sceneries that attracts both local and foreign tourist. It is consider as one of the premier tourist destinations for consecutive years. To named a few here are some well-known attraction in Palawan that are really jaw-dropping and a must-visit places.    

    Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary- a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic african animals and endangered endemic animals of palawan. The Reserve was establised on August 31, 1976, by the virtue of the Presidential decree no. 1958. This was initiated in response to the appeal of the Internation Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd World conference in Kenya. It is located in Calavit Island in Busuanga.    

    Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga-Seven Lakes are sorrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attracts hundreds of nature lover, to coron reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose the main town is Coron, is the jump off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 world war 2 japanese shipwrecks sunk of September 24,1949 by the United States Navy action. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkellers. The acquatic views from sunken japanese wreckships of coron islands are listed in Forbes Travellers Magazine's Top 10 best scuba sites in the world.   

   Malampaya Sound hand and Seascape Protected Area- located in the municipality of tagaytay. This important ecological and economic zone is a watershed and fishing ground, and the habitat of bottle-nosed and Irrawaddy Dolphins.     

    Puerto Princess Subterannean River National Park- This park features a large limestone Karst landscape with an underground river. One of the rivers distinguised features is that it emmerges directly into the sea and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents significant habitats for biodiversity conservation.  

    Tubbataha Reef Marine Park- It covers 332 km2, includes the north and south reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the north islet serving as  a resting site for birds and marine turtles. This site is an example of a prestine coral reef with a spectacular 100m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands. 

   This famous tourist spots contributed much in making Palawan a top province, their tourism industry boosted the generated income making them progressive. Lets us all preserve this beautiful and prestine ecosystem and continue to be one the world's best island.