In a solemn observance of the International HIV/AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2026, the Local Government Unit of Sta. Cruz, through its Municipal Health Office (MHO), gathered at the Sta. Cruz Cultural Tourism and Trade Center on May 25, 2026, to honor those who succumbed to the illness and express strong solidarity with people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Adopting this year’s global theme, “Light the Legacy: Remember, Advance, Act, Keeping the Light Alive,” the commemorative event served as an institutional reminder for the municipality to aggressively advance public awareness, foster compassion, and secure healthcare equality across all sectors of the local community.

During the program, healthcare workers, local officials, and community members gathered to light candles and offer prayers. The activity emphasized that a medical diagnosis does not define an individual’s worth, sending a clear message from the local administration that stigma and discrimination must never be barriers to receiving love, social support, and proper medical care.

The Municipal Health Office reiterated its commitment to keeping the light of advocacy alive by continuously educating the public, breaking down historical biases, and implementing accessible healthcare strategies. By cultivating a supportive environment, LGU Sta. Cruz aims to ensure that no individual hesitates to seek testing, counseling, or treatment due to fear of social judgment.

The event concluded with a collective pledge from the participants to actively spread hope, understanding, and relentless advocacy to maintain a compassionate, inclusive, and stigma-free society in the municipality of Sta. Cruz.