FROM THE MAILBAG...

Look what I received in the mail today.

25 June 2010

Mr. Carlos Celdran
Malate, Manila

Dear Mr. Celdran (Carlos)

I would like to express my most heartfelt gratitude for your valuable support during the six months that I have led the Department of Health (DOH). It may have seemed like a short time, but with the wholehearted backing that you have given me, I believe that we have been able to do much in championing the right to health of all Filipinos. It is my sincere hope that, as you have so willingly and tirelessly supported me during my term, you will also extend the same graces to the next Secretary of Health.

Very truly yours,

DR. ESPERANZA I. CABRAL
Secretary

Ah. Always a class act, Miz Espy. Always a class act. And just like that, I will take the good doctor's advice and do as I am told. Dr. Ona. Good luck and godspeed. Don't hesitate to holler if you need anything from me. Word has it that Dr. Cabral is working closely with folks from the UNFPA now. Cool. It's definitely their gain.

MARCHING FOR MY BABY!

I THINK I'M IN LOVE WITH SECRETARY ESPY CABRAL! So let's all march to show how much we love the fact that she loves giving condoms & birth control pills to those who want and need them.

RH COMMUNITY STEPS UP SUPPORT for HIV and AIDS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Contact Person: Ms. Vigie Benosa-Llorin

Mobile No. 0918-2936786

More than 300 representatives from community women organizations, people living with HIV and AIDS, non-government and civil society organizations will gather in a symbolic rally to support the HIV and AIDS awareness efforts of the Department of Health and protest the interventions of some Catholic leaders on the said campaign.

A short program will be conducted from 10:30 AM to 12:30 NN to present the benefits of HIV and AIDS public awareness campaign on the health of the Filipino people vis-à-vis the pressures coming from some leaders of the Catholic church and Office of the President.

Participants will distribute condoms and carry streamers, banners and placards to show their support for DOH Secretary Cabral’s program to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS disease. They will also challenge the presidential candidates’ to adopt HIV/AIDS and reproductive health program.

WHAT:

“Martsa ng Suporta Kay Cabral”

A symbolic Rally of Support to DOH’s HIV and AIDS Campaign

WHEN:

Monday, 1 March 2010

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

WHERE:

Entrance Gate, Department of Health

San Lazaro Compound, San Lazaro, Manila

DETAILS:

Organized by the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), Health Action and Information Network (HAIN), Forum for Family Planning and Development (FORUM), Linangan ng mga Kababaihan (LIKHAAN), Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) and the Philippine NGO Council (PNGOC). The activity aims to show broad and strong support of the reproductive health community to Sec. Cabral and the DOH in their HIV and AIDS public awareness campaign and disappointment over the intervention of some Catholic leaders and government officials on the campaign.

MEDIA COVERAGE IS REQUESTED. RESOURCE PERSONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW. PHOTO OPS AVAILABLE.

For clarifications please call

VIRGINIA BENOSA-LLORIN

Media Advocacy Officer

Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc.

Cellphone Number 09182936786

Landline Nos. 925-1800; 436-2373; 931-5354; 931-5001 loc. 7430;