• PROGRAM MANAGER
• PROJECT OFFICER/S (MSM / TG / YKP / PWID)
• FINANCE OFFICER
• FINANCE ASSISTANT
• MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY & LEARNING (MEAL) OFFICER
• MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY & LEARNING (MEAL) ASSISTANT
• ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
• ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Brief Description of the Organization:

The AIDS Society of the Philippines (ASP) is a leading association of professionals from various sectors in the community (government, non-government agencies, and the private sector), with a common unifying interest in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS. As a professional society, it counts among its members, experts and professionals from diverse fields such as health and development, infectious diseases, public health, business, and media and communications.

The ASP was established in 1996 by its Founding President, Dr. Ofelia T. Monzon, who pioneered investigative studies on HIV/AIDS at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Its mission is the promotion and support of activities to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Interested parties may email their resume / CV preferably with 2-3 references and a recent ID picture to: info@aidsphil.org

Indicate your subject as “Applicant for (Position)”

Shortlisted Applicants will receive an Interview Invitation.

Manila North Harbour Port, Inc. in partnership with AIDS Society of the Philippines Inc. held its HIV-AIDS and STI Awareness with a theme “Prevention is better than cure- Know your AIDS” during their Health and Wellness week for the first quarter dated last April 4, 2016 in Pier 8, Hiring Hall of Manila North Harbor in Tondo, Manila wherein a total number of 50 employees participated.

In line with this, AIDS Society of the Philippines Inc. was invited to conduct lecture awareness to their employees.

Here are the highlights of the successful concluded event:

Dr. Danilo Sedutan – Company Physician, welcomed the participants, introduced the guest speaker and gave a background on HIV-AIDS.

Ms. Maria Cecilia Anonuevo – Advocacy Officer, AIDS Society of the Philippines as Guest Speaker who discussed the History of HIV, global and local statistics, difference between HIV and AIDS, three modes of transmission, four body fluids, 5 ways of prevention, myths and misconception, RA8504 and STI.

IEC materials, condoms and lubricants were given to Manila North Harbour Port, Inc. employees.

Dr. Sedutan awarded Certificate of Appreciation to AIDS Society of the Philippines, Inc. delegates.

FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING 

PROGRAM MANAGER:   Holds overall responsibility in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the project activities.  Oversees daily operations of the project and works closely with partners, local communities and LGUs as well as with significant stakeholders to meet the targets and goals of the project.  Ensures timely, effective and efficient delivery of programs and interventions including submission of regular narrative reports.

The applicant must have at least 3-5 years of experience in managing an HIV and AIDS project and must have a solid background in HIV and AIDS program implementation.  Good leadership, strong work ethics, good communication and human relations skills are desired competencies.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER:  Assists the Program Manager in the managing and program support of project activities as well as in the facilitation of project outputs expected from ASP.   Primarily provides administrative  and human resource management support ; and relevant technical, capacity and logistical support to  project activities.  Performs other tasks related to the project that may be assigned by the Program Manager.

The applicant must have at least 2-3 years of experience in project coordination and administrative work.  An academic  background in  Management, Social Science, or related field is preferred.  Skills in management and project administration are desired competencies.

FINANCE OFFICER:   Provides overall supervision of all financial responsibilities and transactions of the Project.  Ensures that project team adheres to agreed workplan financial budget allocation as well as to the guidelines of the Global Funds new funding model.  Monitors and upholds financial standard operating procedures in all transactions entered into by the project team.   Oversees the preparation of regular financial reports, project disbursement reports and other related financial reports as may be required.

The candidate must be a degree holder majoring in Accounting and a certified public accountant.  He or she must have at least two years work experience in accounting work with an NGO.  Attention to details  and prompt delivery of financial requirements and strong work ethics are highly desirable qualities.

PROGRAM OFFICER:  Provides technical and administrative support to ongoing project activities in the target communities.  Primarily in-charge of constant liaison with community partners and seeing to it that the project activities are carried out efficiently.

The candidate is preferred to be a degree holder majoring in a Social Science or Development course.  An extensive work in HIV and/or in communities is an advantage.  

MONITORING and EVALUATION OFFICER:    Provides technical support to the project through carrying out the duties and coordination needed to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of program initiatives and activities in all project sites in Luzon.  Responsible for thorough documentation, data gathering, relevant information collation and narrative reports on different aspects of project planning and implementation.

The candidate has a degree in any Social Science course, Computer Science, Statistics or its equivalent course.  He or she must have adequate experience in research and at least 1 year experience in HIV work. 

ADVOCACY OFFICER: Provides technical and advocacy support to all project initiatives that promote greater  key population  awareness and attitudinal/behavioral change.  The support provided could assisting target communities in the development of communication strategy and associated advocacy and promotion of activities with implementing partners, stakeholders and public audiences.

The candidate has a degree in any Social Science course or  Communication, or related field.  

PROJECT ASSISTANT:   Provides essential project support to ensure smooth implementation of project activities in coordination with LGU and NGO partners.   Provides assistance to Project Officer in delivering relevant  project deliverables.   Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Program Manager.

A work background in HIV Prevention, adequate computer literacy  and organizational skills are desired qualities.  A college or associate degree is an advantage. 

BOOKKEEPER:  Prepares vouchers for all disbursements approved by the Program Manager; payroll of project staff;  and reviews all liquidation reports and sees to it that they comply with the policies issued by Global funds.  Performs other tasks assigned by the Finance Officer or by the Program Manager.

A degree in Commerce majoring in Accounting; CPA is an advantage.  Must possess strong work ethics. 

CASHIER:    Prepares all  project-related disbursements required through checks or bank transfers.  Assists in the administration of operational support to project activities through coordinating logistical and other administrative support.  Assists in reviewing support documents for financial transactions such as liquidations.  Coordinates with project staff to assure compliance with financial SOP in the office.

A graduate of Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent course is desired.   The candidate must possess  strong work ethics.

Attention to Job Applicants

TO APPLY:  Please email resume preferably with 2-3 references with recent ID picture to asp.nfm@gmail.com or info@aidsphil.org on or before January 9, 2016 (Saturday).  Address email to Human Resources Officer and identify the job opening you are interested to apply.

As these positions are immediate requirements, applications will be processed as they are received, and hiring may close if the position is filled in before the closing date.  Only those short-listed will be contacted for interview.

The International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) is the largest forum on AIDS held in the Asia and the Pacific region. Since the first ICAAP was held in 1990 – almost 25 years ago – the ICAAP has played a critical role in raising public awareness, building political commitment, strengthening advocacy networks and disseminating knowledge and experiences on HIV issues among stakeholders in the region. See you in Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 20-23, 2015.

To learn more, visit http://www.icaap2015.org/

The Asia and Pacific Regional Professional Societies Network (APRSN) is a network of professional societies across Asia and the Pacific which represents HIV and sexual health care providers. This network supports capacities, skills and needs of professionals, in order to provide best practice advice to national HIV bodies and best practice care to people affected by, and living with, HIV and AIDS across Asia and the Pacific. The network is committed to the principles of PLHIV inclusion, gender, disability and human rights contexts, as these relate to HIV.

The ASPRSN members actively seek collaborative projects, which allow transfer of skills, and the capacity and professional development of HIV and related health care providers, in different settings with similar challenges and contexts. The Network seeks to engage with other organizations working in Asia and the Pacific, in support of national and regional HIV programs, and the long term sustainability of HIV related programs.

ASP Board of Trustees namely, Dr Jojo Sescon, President, Dr Caloy Calica, BOT member and 2 members and colleagues attended the ASHM Leadership and Mentoring Program-Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) in time with the 2014 AIDS Conference in Melbourne Australia.

ASP is certainly keened with this new endeavour by joining this regional society. This will further strengthen ASP organizationally an opportunity to engage with other professional societies in Asia and the Pacific, very timely , as ASP take on its preparation for the 2015 ASEAN Integration. It is an avenue for knowledge management, resource sharing , networking/ partnership development in the region.

Download the newsletter here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzYcCzvsXGxlblR2OW5HTXNTQnM/view?usp=sharing

BAGUIO CITY- In celebration of World AIDS Day, the AIDS Society of the Philippines and Mt. Cloud Bookshop in partnership with Baguio Writers Group held its 3^rd Scarlet Letters from Baguio, a poetry slam for HIV awareness dated last December 5, 2014 6:00 PM at Mt. Cloud Bookshop.

The organizers invited distinguished judges to witness the event namely: Prof. Bely Ygot, incoming Board of Trustees member of AIDS Society of the Philippines and UCCA Director of Polytechnic University of the Philippines; Mr. Frank Cimatu, journalist and member of Baguio Writers Group; Mr. Kervin Calabias, last year’s grand prize winner of 2^nd Scarlet Letters; and Mr. Karlo Altomonte, actor and his second time as judge. Twelve (12) registered poets joined and there were three elimination rounds in this poetry slam. During the first round, competitors performed pieces pre-selected by the organizers for the judges’ first impression. The top 8 poets that made it to second round performed a prepared, ORIGINAL piece that touches any aspect about “love”. In the third and final round, the remaining top 5 poets held in isolation for ten minutes to write a new poem on a surprise theme “VIRGINITY” given by the judges. After 10 minutes in isolation, poets called in one by one to perform their new piece. The judges were also asked to comment on the performance and written piece of the poets.

 After the deliberation, the top 3 winners hailed as follows: Mr. Paulino Cuison II from University of the Philippines-Baguio as first place, Ms. Villia Jeeremovas from University of Toronto as second place and Ms. Solana Perez as third place. Cash prizes, certificates and other gifts from sponsors Cafe by the Ruins Dua, Hill Station, AIDS Society of the Philippines, the Baguio Writers Group and Mt. Cloud Bookshop awarded to winners.

1^st place winning piece:

Linamnam ng Pagtatalik
ni Paulino II Cuison

Malulusog na dibdib.
Balingkinitang katawan.
Kayumangging kutis.
May linamnam ang pagtatalik
May talim din ang lipunan.

Aba! Birhen!

Birhen kang banaag ng lipunan
ng mga matang mapanising
nagtatali ng mga pisi na
sumusulsi sa kahinahunan
ng pagkababae.

Aba! Birhen?

Birhen kang nagnanaknak ng dugo
sa sinapupunang kahit katorse o
trese ay naglilimbag ng katinuang
walang liwana, walang kilos
na pagpapanata ng pagkalalaki.

Aba birhen!

Birhen kang ang puri ay
walang dangal mula sa iyong
pagnamnam ng mga nagkukubling
hinanakit, pasanin at tampulan
ng kasalanan, karangyaan, at
pagkamuhi sa bahaghari ng
pagbabakla.

Babae! Birhen?

Lalaki? Birhen!

Bakla?

Ako!

Birhen.

Birhen?

Aba! Birhen ka?

Birhen!

Birhen kang naglililok ng
katagang pumapaimbulog sa
kasanayan at pagpapakadalubhasa.

Babae.

Lalaki.

Birhen?

Aba! Birhen ka mula
sa iyong kukoteng pumapailanlang
ang mga tayutay na walang
kabuluhan.

Bakla!

Aba! Hindi.

Hindi ako birhen.
Ngunit sa minsan kong
pagpapaslit at kabataan,
Birhen akong mahusay,
May kasanayan.

Lalaki!

Babae?

Aba!

Bakla! Aba birhen?

Sana’y sa iyong mata’y
walang alipustang magdudulot
nang nagbubukal na kahinaan.

Birhen!

Ang iyong mga mata ang aking
paningin.
 
Birhen! Ako?
 
Hindi.
 

2^nd place winning piece:

Virginity
By: Villia Jeeremovas
 
It is all about lies
About who did and who didn’t
About who will and who won’t.
 
It is all about fear
To lose it or not lose it
To have it be known.
 
Yes, it is all about fear
To be denied
To be defied
To be alone
To say yes, to say no.
 
It is all about lies
About what lies ahead
What lies behind
What lies in wait
Yes, it is all about lies.
 
Yours and mine.
 

3^rd place winning piece:
 
Virginity
By: Solana Perez
 
Are you sure? It might hurt.
Hey, babe, I go horseback riding almost 8 hours a week.
I can take it.
But No, she couldn’t.
 
Is it okay?
Oh come on, I know grandparents who drop acid and smoke a shit ton of weed everyday.
A needle ain’t so different.
Oh but it was.
 
You’re positive. I’m sorry.
Uhm. I’m positive that I’m not.
Hell no, hell hell hell fucking no!
I only did one each.
One night unprotected.
One needle shared.
 
Oh baby. YOLO. You only live once, you know.
There’s a first time for everything.
Positivity is like the worst marriage and baby, ever.
 
The kind where I say
“I saved my maidenhead for you.”
And the doctor say
“Till death do you part.”
 
You fucked we good, HIV.
And it was my first time too.

Eligibility

No fees will be collected.

Elimination rounds

In the 1st round, poets will read pieces (already written, contemporary or otherwise) and will be judged by their interpretation and performance.

There is no other urgent time than today for health care providers to receive HIV-positive individuals at our health service facilities. It is also imperative to regard counseling as crucial and essential.

The AIDS Society of the Philippines (ASP), in partnership with the Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society Foundation, Inc. (POGS) Women Reproductive Health Advocacy Committee (WRHAC), embarked on a pilot workshop on “Appreciating HIV and AIDS Counseling” on June 13 and 14, 2013 to build awareness and understanding of the process of counseling on HIV and AIDS and appreciating the need for counseling skills, specifically in the conduct of pre and post test counseling.

Dr. Jose Narciso Melchor Sescon, a fellow of POGS and currently the president of ASP, was the team’s lead trainer for the workshop. Dr. Sescon recalled that “counseling was not part of any medical curriculum – unlike in other paramedical courses such as nursing and social work, but it is still an assurance that they can effectively handle HIV and AIDS counseling processes.” He said, “It is very timely that POGS members be acquainted with what and how the counseling process is correctly undertaken.”

Brother Lito explaining the importance of effective communication

“Counseling is a dynamic process between the counselor and the client, undertaking a common ground, working towards a pragmatic course of action that is realistic and time-bound”, said Dr. Sescon. “At all times, HIV and AIDS counseling is client-centered based and it is where informed decisions are made.”

The entire workshop content was culled from POGS 2012 edition: “A Silent Infection: A Sourcebook on HIV and AIDS Competency.” The primer workshop used lectures, case studies, role-plays and other forms of learning methodologies and techniques. A total of 33 workshop participants attended, 25 of them completed the 2-day appreciation training. All were OB GYN consultants sent by their respective departments from the different POGS-accredited hospitals in Metro Manila, including representatives from Batangas and Cavite City.

The workshop was opened by Dr. Mario Bernardino, committee chair of POGS WRHWA. The “Getting to know you” session was a lively Bingo social activity wherein participants moved around and searched for partners, making way for formal introductions. In the first topic, “Understanding HIV and AIDS”, Dr Nerissa Sescon FPCP, FPSMID, elaborated on the basics of HIV biology, life cycle, modes of transmission, and prevention. Her lecture also explained antiretroviral therapy and information as to where to link HIV services.

Dr. Mario Bernardo opening the event.

Dr. Sescon provided the “Global situation vis-à-vis the local situation of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines”, followed by the “HIV continuum of risks”, in which participants identified a full range of sexual activities and classified them according to the risks of contracting HIV. Dr. Sescon stated that the risks for HIV are different with the risks of contracting other sexually transmitted infections (STI) and health workers have to know this by heart.

Dr. Sescon explained and demonstrated the proper use of condoms in the next session on “Correct and consistent condom use”. The session revealed the fact that most of the OB GYN participants do not know how to use a condom.

Dr. Sescon demonstrating the proper use of condoms

The “Psychosocial dimensions of HIV and AIDS” and “All about communication and counseling processes”, were provided by Dr. Anjoy Aguadera and Bro. Lito Cruz respectively. Dr. Aguadera presented a case study that served as a springboard for discussing bio-psychosocial events in the life of a person living with HIV and AIDS. Bro. Cruz emphasized the need to revisit health care providers’ language styles in dealing with “clients”, a term best referred to patients who are undergoing counseling, and how counseling has to highlight verbal and non-verbal cues in communication. Dr. Aguadera also presented the differences between “Voluntary counseling and testing” and “Provider-initiated Counseling and Testing”.

In the session on the AIDS Law or RA 8504, Dr. Sescon stressed the relevant provisions for health service providers to know. He said it is imperative to inform, educate and reduce the risk all patients contracting the virus and cautioned against giving misleading information to clients, such as condoms having holes. Dr. Sescon said the law clearly articulates that an HIV test would need a written informed consent from the client, coupled with the conduct of pre and post test counseling.  On confidentiality and disclosure issues, he said it is important that a health care provider knows to whom an HIV test is conducted and disclosed. For each violation of the law, there are corresponding penalties and sanctions to include revocation of medical licenses of the health care provider and health facility.

Participants took turns simulating a counseling session

Bro. Lito Cruz’s session on the “Different Stages of Counseling” entailed a discussion and an actual role-play of what constitutes counseling and what does not. Lorna Garcia, president of Babae Plus, facilitated a review of safer sex practices and condom use.

The participants took turns in counselor and client roles for them to experience how it is done. After a synthesis on learning processes, Dr. Sescon engaged the participants in a “Wildfire” that simulates a client’s HIV test to the time the test result is revealed.

Dr. Ditas Decena, POGS PRO, congratulated the OB-GYN participants for a fruitful and meaningful workshop initiative and for all participants during the closing ceremony. Post test and evaluation of the workshop was conducted to complete the session.

Participants of the appreciation course

For more of the photos, visit the album on our Facebook Page.

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Fly Love Yourself: How To Have Sex and Avoid HIV (feat. Sebastian Castro)
by  The Love Yourself (Vinn Advocacy) (May 9, 2013)
www.loveyourself.ph

This video departs from the clinical approach of talking about the basics of HIV/AIDS. Instead, similar to an airline’s in-flight safety video,  Sebastian encourages men to “dare” to fly, shows them how to take “care” of themselves during flight, and encourages them to “share” the video with others.

Read more

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Are You Worry-FREE? Photoshoot
by Take The Test Project (May 10, 2013)
www.facebook.com/takethetest

See more photos

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The Riddle: new anti-homophobia message
by United Nations (May 17, 2013)
www.youtube.com/user/unitednations

United Nations, 14 May 2013 – 76 countries still criminalize consensual same-sex relationships and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people everywhere continue to suffer violent attacks and discriminatory treatment.

In this simple, high-impact video from the UN human rights office, individuals from diverse backgrounds pose questions directly to the viewer designed to expose the nature of human rights violations suffered by LGBT people around the world.

The video includes cameo appearances by UN Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

The UN’s message: LGBT rights are human rights. Together we will build a world that is free and equal

—–

Artful Warriors
by Mark Leydorf (May 17, 2013)
www.poz.com

Visual AIDS fought early major battles against the virus with its “Day Without Art” and the Red Ribbon. Twenty-five years later, it continues to arm HIV-positive artists.

Read more

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Visit us for more articles we find around the web.

HIV-related issues are often difficult to take up: sex, sexuality, gender, discrimination, and stigma. With the increasing incidence still largely disregarded, the struggle for awareness and prevention has never been this tough. Cases are shooting up as social media becomes an easy access for sex partners that could lead to risky sexual practices. People fear screening. Government and civil society organizations have scaled up their battles, but at the end of the day, it’s still about numbers that matter. The Philippines is now reporting 12 new cases a day, but any reduction, even in deaths, is nowhere in the data.

Prevention is the best and only thing we can do right now as there is yet no final conclusion to scientific findings of a possible cure. It is not about when and how but it’s about what we do NOW. This is where our role starts, the point where we accept the challenge. This is us. This is me. A counselor. An advocate.

As a counselor, I learned to treat every person as an individual with needs and vulnerabilities, not as mere fractions of the statistics. A counselor and the client explore and discover, and act as partners.

It is normal for clients who come to the ASP ICON Clinic for testing and counseling to have apprehensions. They are not alone in this. We let them express their feelings about the process, and help them identify any risks associated with their lifestyle. We aim for their awareness towards a positive and healthy behavior change. We want them to grow and eventually be advocates to other people.

Counseling is a two-way process, with the clients learning from us and us learning from them. We grow and are fulfilled whenever we touch someone’s life. The positive feedback we receive is enough to devote our time more and continue with what we do. The ASP ICON Clinic is blessed with so much support from people and that inspires us more to attain our goal to live in a world where HIV is no longer a disease ignored, feared and disregarded by people.

Counseling also gives us the chance to meet different kinds of individuals of varying perspectives about the disease. It is always about making sure that each client would feel valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, religion, culture, or social status, and without being judgmental.

From all these, I sure will continue to be a counselor. The pride of being one has been immeasurable. This is not just a job for me but more of a mission and a lifelong advocacy.