MikeLigalig.com

press release
By Bruze Zabala

Bohol has become one of the prime tourist destinations of not foreigners but also among local tourists and as Gov. Aumentado has mentioned in his many speeches both here and in other special functions in other regions, this industry has also become one of the province’s economic drivers. But with the rise in the tourism industry it cannot be denied that another type of “industry” also goes with it. The other kind of entertainment industry. The other kind entertainment which is discretely practiced and definitely disdained by society due to its moral implications. To put it bluntly, the sex industry.

Poverty brought about by an unchecked population explosion has driven especially young girls and other women to venture into the sex industry. And a large number of them are exposed to great risks. Risks of having unwanted pregnancies and the most dreadful risk, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) particularly the incurable HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus).

The government is doing all it can to address these issues despite the resistance in some sectors in society particularly the religious groups specifically on the artificial methods. Fortunately, the government is not alone in its efforts. The Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. or PAFPI an organization founded in 1998 by committed and concerned Filipinos, most of whom are HIV positive which provides education, care, support and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers.

PAFPI is focusing their efforts mainly in the prevention and control of STI/HIV/AIDS and as part of their contribution to the province’s advocacy initiatives and in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and contraceptive commodity producer, DKT in dealing with the problem, PAFPI distributed to the City Health Office and to some “entertainment industry” establishments and organizations dealing in this sector not only IEC (Information, Education, Communication) materials on STI/HIV/AIDS but more importantly seed capitalization in the form of a contraceptive commodity investment franchise or a “PopShop” initially composed of prophylactics (condoms) during a simple launching program at the New Tagbilaran City Health Office (TCHO) in the morning of August 7, 2007. These PopShop will not only add additional profit to adaptors, but is so far the suitable outlets for low-priced quality prophylactics to prevent STI/HIV/AIDS infestation and spreading. It is up to the beneficiary establishments/organizations to develop their system to roll sales and further expand the Popshops. The donated PopShop packages investments were valued at P2,193 each and have been distribute to Berama, Solid Gold, ULEA (Ubay Lady Entertainers Association), CYC (Calituban Youngsters Club of Talibon) and the TCHO. Further replenishments of contraceptive commodities by these establishments/associations will then be coursed through the TCHO.

The PopShops comprise mainly of condoms, pills, injectibles and other contraceptive commodities. These PopShops can be placed just about anywhere, even alongside OTC (over the counter) products or as part on the regular product displays in department stores. In fact there are LGUs particularly among the 3 UNFPA program areas (Carmen, Talibon and Ubay) that have adopted to the scheme. These Popshops are normally placed inside the RHUs (Rural Health Units).

As of this year contraceptive commodity donations coming from the USAID have already stopped and all recipient countries are expected to procure these thru their own initiatives.

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