Nueva Ecija Medical Center Inc., through its HIV and AIDS Core Team and St. Aloysius Haven of Hope, proudly served as this year’s host of the Province-Wide 2025 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, held last May 23, 2025, at the NEMC Grounds.

With the global theme “We Remember, We Rise, We Lead,” the event brought together all HIV treatment hubs in Nueva Ecija under the united banner of “One Nueva Ecija.” The memorial honored the lives lost to HIV and AIDS, celebrated the resilience of people living with HIV, and called for continued leadership and collaboration in ending stigma and improving access to care.

A United Front for HIV Advocacy

The following HIV treatment hubs from across the province joined the solemn and empowering gathering:

• Balay Ti Namnama – Guimba Community Hospital
  
  
• Angel Cares Medical Health Services
  
  
• Tahanan sa Premiere – Premiere Medical Center
  
  
• Sanctuario de Paulino Treatment Hub – Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRMC)
  
  
• Talavera’s Hope – Talavera General Hospital
  
  
• St. Aloysius Haven of Hope – Nueva Ecija Medical Center (Host for 2025)
  
  

Also present was the Nueva Ecija Provincial Health Office, highlighting the strong public-private partnership in sustaining and strengthening HIV response services throughout the region.

Leaders Stand in Solidarity

Gracing the memorial were Hon. Ray “Jon-Jon” Padiernos, Board Member of the 4th District of Nueva Ecija, who served as the keynote speaker, and Dr. Leonardo Gonzales, President and CEO of Nueva Ecija Medical Center Inc., alongside Dr. Araceli Gonzales, Vice President of NEMC. Their presence reinforced the importance of both political and institutional leadership in the fight against HIV.

In his remarks, Board Member Padiernos emphasized the significance of solidarity, community leadership, and the ongoing commitment to protect the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV. Dr. Gonzales, meanwhile, highlighted NEMC’s unwavering dedication to comprehensive, stigma-free care through its expanding services under the St. Aloysius Haven of Hope.

Lighting the Way Forward

The event featured a candle-lighting ceremony symbolizing remembrance and hope, followed by messages of unity, performances, and commitments to continue leading the fight against HIV in Nueva Ecija. The gathering ended with a renewed pledge among healthcare providers, advocates, and allies to rise and lead together toward a future where no one is left behind.

With hearts lit in remembrance and hands joined in action, Nueva Ecija stands as one.

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