1. Pursuant to DepEd Memorandum DM-OUPS-2024-09-03679 titled “International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2024,” this Office enjoins all schools to observe this activity. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) is an annual commemoration on the third Sunday of May to honor those who have died of AIDS, support people living with HIV, and fight stigma and discrimination. The 2024 theme, “PUT TOGETHER FIRST: Kandila ng Pagkalinga, Liwanag ng Pag-asa,” emphasizes the need to prioritize the rights and needs of those affected by HIV.
2. In this regard, School Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) Focal Persons are requested to disseminate this information and to facilitate the school IACM activities which may be done from May 20-25, 2024. Suggested activities include:
• posting the event banner;
• sharing HIV/AIDS content from the DepEd Tayo and DepEd Philippines Facebook pages;
• distributing educational materials;
• creating and displaying informational posters;
• posting messages of support for people living with HIV/AIDS on social media.
• conducting HIV/AIDS awareness seminars or symposiums;
• distributing red ribbons for HIV/AIDS awareness; and
• organizing other related memorial activities.
3. Please use the following hashtags when posting online: #AIDScandlelightmemorial2024, #IACM2024, #0KsaDepEd, #MATATAG, #BansangMakabata, #BatangMakabansa, and #DepEdPhilippines. Access more information and materials at this link https://rb.gy/ugoqlq.
4. Widest dissemination of and compliance with this Memorandum is directed.
