SPH Red Ribbon HUB

11/12/2025

08/12/2025

The recent joint symposium hosted by the Sarangani Provincial Hospital (SPH) Alabel Red Ribbon Hub and the Department of Health (DOH) CHD Region 12 on November 29, 2025, was more than just an event—it was a powerful declaration of holistic care. While we often laud advancements in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), this symposium, featuring Mr. Joey Babayen-on, RN, HACT-Nurse, on HIV 101 and Mr. Carlo Hereco Mari H. Demanarig, RMT, HIV Case Manager, on Mental Health, reminds us that winning the war against HIV requires more than just clinical intervention. It demands compassion, education, and community solidarity.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

The power of a fact-based session like HIV 101 cannot be overstated. Knowledge is the ultimate tool against fear. Reinforcing the principle of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) not only empowers the 13 attendees to live without fear of passing on the virus, but also serves as a crucial message to the wider community. This simple, scientific fact is the key to dismantling the outdated prejudices that fuel stigma. Furthermore, emphasizing strict adherence to ART ensures that the medical investment is maximized, securing both the individual's health and the public health benefit of prevention.

The Silent Epidemic of the Mind

The greatest challenge facing People Living with HIV (PLHIVs) today often isn't the virus itself, but the associated stigma and the burden on mental health. A diagnosis can bring anxiety, depression, and isolation, yet these psychological tolls are frequently overlooked. By dedicating a significant portion of the day to a Mental Health Symposium, the SPH Alabel and DOH demonstrated profound foresight. They correctly recognize that successful viral suppression and sustained quality of life are impossible if the patient’s mind is suffering. Discussions encouraging PLHIVs to prioritize mental wellness and utilize available support systems are not peripheral; they are fundamental components of modern HIV care.

A Model for Local Care
“ The commitment shown by providing the participants with groceries speaks volumes. It acknowledges that social determinants—poverty, food insecurity—directly impact a person's ability to adhere to a complex drug regimen. This small, yet significant, act of solidarity elevates the Sarangani Provincial Hospital (SPH) Alabel Red Ribbon Hub as a true model of patient-centered, comprehensive care. This partnership between a local hospital hub and the regional DOH should be replicated across the country, transforming the model of HIV service delivery from a purely medical transaction to a fully supportive community network.
This symposium was a victory, not just for the 13 individuals present, but for the entire community. It proved that when we address the mind with the same diligence we address the virus, we move closer to a future where HIV is truly just another manageable chronic condition “

08/12/2025

BALIK-TANAW

SARANGANI — In a significant step toward holistic care and community building, the Sarangani Provincial Hospital's Red Ribbon Hub, with the direct support of the Department of Health (DOH), recently launched a group peer orientation for its managed People Living with HIV (PLHIVs).

The event, held on August 28, 2025, brought together 11 enrolled PLHIVs in a safe and supportive environment aimed at fostering connections and reducing the stigma often associated with the virus.

The day's program was initiated by Joey P. Babayen-on, RN, HACT Nurse of Sarangani Provincial Hospital Red Ribbon Hub. The hub, a key component of the DOH's national HIV/AIDS program, contacted each individual through private communication to gain their consent and encourage their participation. Confidentiality was strictly maintained throughout this process to protect each person's privacy.

“ The goal was to create a peer support system where members could find mutual encouragement and share experiences, thereby strengthening their sense of belonging and combating feelings of isolation “

The orientation was officially led by Carlo Hereco Mari H. Demanarig, RMT, the DOH Health Program Officer and HIV Case Manager. This underscores the DOH’s central role in not only providing medical care but also in managing community-level interventions. He guided the attendees through the orientation and the signing of consent forms, ensuring full understanding of their participation.

In a forward-thinking move, Mr. Demanarig also presented a series of proposed community projects developed by the peer group, which are set to be launched soon upon the group’s final approval. This initiative aims to give the group a shared purpose and a platform to actively contribute to their own well-being and the broader community.

Beyond the peer orientation, the event served a critical clinical purpose. The Red Ribbon Hub team conducted essential CD4 and viral load testing for all attendees, ensuring their health is being closely monitored as part of the DOH's treatment protocols. The event concluded with a shared lunch, allowing the PLHIVs to connect and build rapport in a relaxed and informal setting.

“ This highlights the Red Ribbon Hub's commitment to medical treatment and the emotional and social well-being of its patients. By empowering them to become advocates for their own health and leaders within their community, the hub is setting a new standard for comprehensive HIV care in the region while prioritizing the confidentiality and privacy of every client “

02/12/2025

🎗️ SPH-Alabel Leads World AIDS Day 2025: Transforming the AIDS Response
Sarangani Provincial Hospital (SPH-Alabel), in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), commemorated World AIDS Day 2025 today, December 2, 2025, under the theme: “Overcoming disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” The event emphasized the crucial role of education, mental health support, and compassionate care in the fight against HIV.

The program began with a Welcome Message from SPH Chief of Hospital Dr. Aileen M. Brion, MD, MBA-HA, who stressed the importance of understanding HIV and extending dignity to patients. This was followed by a comprehensive HIV 101 refresher delivered by SPH RED Ribbon Hub Nurse Sir Joey P. Babayen-on, equipping staff and NDDU Intern Nurses with the latest knowledge on prevention, diagnosis, and ART.

Recognizing the strain on frontline workers, DOH CHD Region 12 HIV Case Manager Mr. Carlo Hereco Mari H. Demanarig, RMT, presented on "Mind-Body Connection: Stress Management and Resilient Strategies." He underscored the necessity of healthcare workers' mental health, offering actionable strategies for self-care to prevent burnout and ensure sustained, quality care.

Crucially, SPH provided free, confidential HIV screening and counseling services, reinforcing early detection as the primary gateway to effective treatment and prevention.

The successful commemoration served as a powerful reminder that transforming the AIDS response requires a holistic approach—integrating medical knowledge, mental well-being, and unwavering compassion to overcome barriers and strengthen the commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic.

30/10/2025

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔 | 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘆-𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗮𝘆𝗼 𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗲 𝗸𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗯𝘆𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼 - 𝗦𝗠𝗣𝗦

Binigyang-diin ni Police Corporal Mark C. Garcia ng Sarangani Maritime Police Station (SMPS) ang kahalagahan ng maayos na pakikisama sa kapwa mag-aaral upang maiwasan ang pambubulas sa paaralan.

Idinaos ang naturang simposyum noong ikatlo ng Oktubre ng kasalukuyang taon sa Alabel National Science High School, na nakatuon sa pagpapatupad ng Anti-Bullying Program ng nasabing paaralan.

Nilinaw niya na ang bullying ay hindi isang normal na pangyayari sa isang komunidad, kun'di isang isyung dapat agarang masolusyunan dahil sa malawakang epekto nito sa 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, lalo na sa mga kabataan ngayon.

Nagbigay payo rin siya sa mga kabataang na kung maaari ay huwag nang dalhin sa paaralan ang mga nakasanayan sa bahay, masama man o hindi, upang mapanatili ang isang positibo at ligtas na kapaligiran.

“Pumunta kayo sa 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 para mag-aral hindi manakit, hindi kasama sa curriculum niyo ang manakit,” paglilinaw ni Garcia.

Ayon din sa kaniya, kung maaari ay hayaan na lamang ang mga kaklase na nag-aaral ng mabuti at huwag nang problemahin pa.

“Hindi kasama sa assignment ninyo na yung kaklase niyo ay problema niyo pa,” dagdag pa niya.

Paglilinaw rin niya na hindi bahagi ng kanilang mga pangarap ang manlait ng kanilang mga kaklase.

“Nandito kayo para mag-aral, huwag ninyong gawing teleserye ang buhay ng classmate niyo,” aniya.

Ipinaliwanag din niya na malaki ang nagiging epekto sa isang paaralan kung mayroong isang bully, gustuhin man nila o hindi.

“Pantay-pantay kayong natututo, kaya tratuhin ninyo ang kaklase ninyo nang hindi siya napapahiya,” dagdag pa ni Garcia.

Tinalakay rin niya na aanhin ang angking talino kung hindi naman kanais-nais ang ugali, kaya’t kung maaari ay tanggapin na lamang kung sino sila, dahil hindi ninyo alam ang kanilang pinagdadaanan sa buhay.

“Pag 'yong 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 niyo nagpakamatay dahil sayo, habang buhay mo yang pagsisisihan,” ani Garcia.

Sa huli, binigyang-diin ni Garcia na ang tunay na layunin ng pag-aaral ay ang maging mabuting tao na may respeto at malasakit sa kapwa.

Artikulo ni Kurt Lawrence Ciudad
Kuha ni Alexandra Gabrielle Ladeo
Inanyo ni John Mart Mabasa

15/10/2025

Ano nga ba ang PHILHEALTH YAKAP👨‍⚕️?

Ito ay ang pinalawak at pinahusay na primary care benefit package ng PhilHealth (na dating tinatawag na Konsulta Program). Ang pangunahing layunin nito ay tulungan ang bawat Pilipino, bata man o matanda, miyembro o dependent, na mapangalagaan ang kanilang kalusugan, maiwasan ang sakit, at maagapan ang anumang karamdaman.

Ano ang sakop ng PhilHealth YAKAP?

✅Primary Care Check-up/Konsultasyon: Libreng check-up sa isang accredited na YAKAP Clinic.

✅Laboratoryo at Diagnostic Tests: Mga libreng laboratory tests, ayon sa rekomendasyon ng doktor.

✅Gamot (PhilHealth GAMOT - Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment): Libreng piling gamot para sa outpatient management ng iba't ibang kondisyon, na may limit na hanggang P20,000 halaga bawat taon para sa bawat miyembro/dependent.

✅Cancer Screening Tests:
Kasama na rin ang ilang cancer screening tests (tulad ng Mammogram, Low-dose chest CT scan, atbp.) upang maagapan ang sakit.

Paano ito magagamit?

1. Magkaroon ng PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN).

2. Magparehistro sa PhilHealth YAKAP sa pamamagitan ng eGovPH App, PhilHealth Member Portal, PhilHealth Office, o sa isang accredited na YAKAP Clinic na pipiliin mo.

Pumunta sa Sarangani Provincial Hospital para sa unang konsultasyon (First Patient Encounter) at tuloy-tuloy na follow-up.

08/10/2025

HELLO!

FIND TIME TO GET TESTED, LIBRE LANG SAMIN YAN.
UPANG MAGING LIGTAS AT KAMPANTE.

08/10/2025

Magandang Araw! 🌞 Happy Ber Months sa lahat! 🫶

Sa pagpasok ng Setyembre, patuloy tayong magbigay-priyoridad sa pagtulong, pagbahagi ng kaalaman, at serbisyo para sa lahat, lalo na sa mga bagay na may kinalaman sa HIV.

Lagi mo lang tatandaan, andito ang Pinoy Plus - PLHIV Response Center para sa iyo! 🤗

☝️Ikaw man ay People Living with HIV o wala, welcome ka rito.
☝️SAFE at CONFIDENTIAL ang iyong mga impormasyon.
☝️Maaari kang makipag-ugnayan sa amin sa aming mga communication platform. 📲

Ikaw ba ay may Legal Concern at iba pa?, Kami ay nandito para sa iyo, handang tumugon sa iyong mga katanungan, referral at pangangailangan. 👥

08/10/2025

HIV doesn't define who you are, it’s just one part of your story.
Your strength is what truly matter. Let’s break the stigma and embrace everyone with love and respect.

08/10/2025

Nais mo ba ng tulong at hindi alam kung sino ang maaaring lapitan?, Ikaw ba ay PLHIV na nababahala at nakaranas ng Illegal Dismissal sa trabaho 💼.

Worry no more! 🤗 Dahil andito ang Pinoy Plus - PLHIV Response Center upang maghatid ng mga impormasyon, serbisyo at referral para sa iyong Legal Concern katuwang ang IDEALS. 🤝 Maasahan mo na ang iyong mga impormasyon ay SAFE at CONFIDENTIAL.

Maaari lamang na makipag-ugnayan sa aming communication platforms. 📲