May 2026 Honoree
General Hospital – Nursing Service HIV-AIDS Core Team (HACT)
COL Sherry Pie Q Mendoza, NC (GSC) • MAJ Ruth Zandra T Jayson, NC • CHR Gina Parazo, MAN, RN • CHR Arlene Naigan, MAN, RN • CHR Cecille Alminaza, MAN, RN • CHR Ralvin F. Domingo, MSN, RN • CHR Rahjni Faith Arellano, MSN, RN • CHR Judylyn B. Millet, RN
The General Hospital – Nursing Service HIV-AIDS Core Team (HACT) successfully performed its responsibilities in implementing policies and guidelines relating to HIV and AIDS in a hospital setting, greatly contributing to the overall goal of the Philippine Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines: to effectively prevent the spread of HIV, enhance case finding, and ensure comprehensive treatment, care, and support for all military personnel, their dependents, and authorized civilians.
The increasing incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the Philippines has become a significant public health concern, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated response from all sectors of society, including the military. The establishment of HACT in all Military Treatment Facilities, specifically the GH HACT, is one of the responses to this growing epidemic. The HACT ensures that HIV services within the AFP are aligned with national standards and evidence-based practices while playing a critical role in promoting awareness and reducing stigma associated with HIV within the military community.
The team, led by COL MENDOZA NC (GSC), helps safeguard the health of military personnel and their dependents by providing client-initiated and provider-initiated counseling and testing, establishing linkages with NGOs and treatment hubs for additional services, delivering continuing health education and awareness campaigns to military units and training institutions throughout the Philippine Army, supporting the prevention of mother-to-child transmission through early testing, and coordinating referrals of people living with HIV (PLHIV) to appropriate linkages of care. These efforts contribute significantly to maintaining a fit and ready force while supporting the broader national goal of controlling the HIV epidemic.
For the year 2025 alone, the team implemented eleven (11) Philippine Army-wide HIV seminars and workshops with 1,483 participants, participated in six (6) Healthcare Fairs, and conducted 714 confidential HIV counseling and testing sessions. These initiatives greatly increased awareness of HIV transmission and prevention, empowered personnel to adopt safe practices, and fostered a supportive and stigma-free military environment.
Moreover, recognizing that early detection is critical to preventing disease progression, reducing transmission, and ensuring timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the team also participated in the government's nationwide World AIDS Day campaign, promoting solidarity and helping break the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
In support of training and capacity building, the team, together with other HACT members throughout the AFP, trained 150 healthcare providers in HIV counseling, testing protocols, and case management. Additionally, each team member regularly attends training sessions and seminars to further enhance their knowledge and skills, strengthening the Philippine Army's internal capacity to deliver HIV services in compliance with national standards.
It is also important to note that all team members have primary hospital assignments, with their HACT responsibilities serving as additional duties. Despite these demands, they consistently devote extra time and effort to fulfilling their responsibilities as HACT members. Their dedication and exceptional commitment reflect a profound sense of service to the men and women in uniform and to the entire military community.
The increasing incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the Philippines has become a significant public health concern, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated response from all sectors of society, including the military. The establishment of HACT in all Military Treatment Facilities, specifically the GH HACT, is one of the responses to this growing epidemic. The HACT ensures that HIV services within the AFP are aligned with national standards and evidence-based practices while playing a critical role in promoting awareness and reducing stigma associated with HIV within the military community.
The team, led by COL MENDOZA NC (GSC), helps safeguard the health of military personnel and their dependents by providing client-initiated and provider-initiated counseling and testing, establishing linkages with NGOs and treatment hubs for additional services, delivering continuing health education and awareness campaigns to military units and training institutions throughout the Philippine Army, supporting the prevention of mother-to-child transmission through early testing, and coordinating referrals of people living with HIV (PLHIV) to appropriate linkages of care. These efforts contribute significantly to maintaining a fit and ready force while supporting the broader national goal of controlling the HIV epidemic.
For the year 2025 alone, the team implemented eleven (11) Philippine Army-wide HIV seminars and workshops with 1,483 participants, participated in six (6) Healthcare Fairs, and conducted 714 confidential HIV counseling and testing sessions. These initiatives greatly increased awareness of HIV transmission and prevention, empowered personnel to adopt safe practices, and fostered a supportive and stigma-free military environment.
Moreover, recognizing that early detection is critical to preventing disease progression, reducing transmission, and ensuring timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the team also participated in the government's nationwide World AIDS Day campaign, promoting solidarity and helping break the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
In support of training and capacity building, the team, together with other HACT members throughout the AFP, trained 150 healthcare providers in HIV counseling, testing protocols, and case management. Additionally, each team member regularly attends training sessions and seminars to further enhance their knowledge and skills, strengthening the Philippine Army's internal capacity to deliver HIV services in compliance with national standards.
It is also important to note that all team members have primary hospital assignments, with their HACT responsibilities serving as additional duties. Despite these demands, they consistently devote extra time and effort to fulfilling their responsibilities as HACT members. Their dedication and exceptional commitment reflect a profound sense of service to the men and women in uniform and to the entire military community.
Thank you for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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