By Mavell Macaranas-Dojillo
It has always been a struggle for the LGBTQIA+ community to get a thumbs up from society. But Bagani, a Philippine-based organization dedicated to creating a safe space for all to talk freely about sexual health, is already beyond that.
Although they are still in-game with their aim for inclusivity, Bagani is more focused on providing available help for everyone—regardless of their identity—struggling to address issues about HIV/AIDS and the stigma surrounding it.
“We would like to believe that the conversation surrounding HIV/AIDS and sexual health in general applies to everyone and our organization was created to do just that,” says Bagani’s Hub Manager Carlz Elmstherson Libo-on.
Carlz granted us an interview recently to showcase the essence of their cause, their fight for pride, and more.
BAGANI = HERO
Established in 2020, the Bagani Community Center, located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, is powered by LoveYourself, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting self-worth as a foundation for an empowered community”. LoveYourself operates multiple hubs for sexual, trans, and mental health services across the Philippines, including six in Metro Manila, and one each in Baguio City, Cavite, Cebu, and Bacolod City.
The Bagani Community Center facilitates HIV tests free of charge. It is a collaboration between LoveYourself and Bagani staff, maintaining a warm, friendly, and non-discriminatory environment.
Bagani means “hero” in their local dialect Hiligaynon, Carlz explains. “Our clients are heroes for taking steps toward self-love and sexual health. Our volunteers are heroes for spreading awareness and education on HIV/AIDS and sexual health in all communities we reach.”
They also consider the word Bagani as “transformative and pivotal to our advocacy work in the center.”
Carlz adds, “Every time we hear the word Bagani, we are reminded of our bigger purpose and our goal to make heroes in others.”
THE MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY IS GROWING!
If there is one thing that Carlz is most proud of their organization, he says it’s the “family that Bagani fosters.
“I’m proud that everyone, regardless of their background, is working towards spreading the message of hope, solidarity, and love. We have grown so much since we started in 2020(with the help of Butch Lavaro, Edgie Guevarra, and our local and international partners), and we are seeing that more people are involved in the advocacy work because of the seed that we started.”
While many of their clients belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, Bagani does not identify solely as an LGBTQIA+ organization. Their overarching goal? According to Carlz, it’s to “empower Bacolodnons and Negrenses of the overarching principle of self-love and self-worth”.
LOOK FORWARD TO AN EVENTFUL PRIDE CELEBRATION
For Bagani Pride 2024 this June, they plan to hold “a two-part Pride celebration, a fund-raising event for our Bagani Cares, the philanthropic arm of Bagani that provides support to our PLHIV(people living with HIV) clients whether it’s through transportation, meal allowance and even accommodation.”
But as usual, their primary services will be available and accessible to everyone, especially during Pride Month.
“We are also excited to partner with local organizations in their Pride Celebration all around Negros Occidental. We will provide HIV testing stations and dispensing booths for condoms and lubricants, and even provide PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is a medicine that people take to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS by up to 99%) in the community.”
Carlz also shared their activities for the World AIDS Day celebration in December. “We will be partnering with AIDS Healthcare Foundation and AHF Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., City Health Office of Bacolod, Provincial Health Office, and our local partners for a day to celebrate the advances in HIV/AIDS care, be in solidarity with our friends and families living with HIV and remember those that we have lost. We will also be producing a video to discuss HIV/AIDS [situation] in the Philippines.”
HOW TO BE A BAGANI
From the looks of it, Bagani’s schedule is full-packed and they are thankful to their community volunteers, for being “the pillars of our organization.”
“For four years, we have seen volunteers come and go and Bagani’s success lies in our deep-seated fire to serve others, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS; and providing care and support whether through prevention or treatment.”
Connect with the Bagani Community Center through their social media pages, in Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter and discover how to become one of their heroes. Be a Bagani.
