Organization: Free To Be YOUTH
Region: Asia and the Pacific Islands
Nationality: Philippines, the
Country: Philippines, the
Interests & expertise: Community leadership
Profession or occupation: Advocate/activist
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
It was the silence of young people like me, too afraid to speak, too afraid to seek help, that inspired me. At 16, I watched my peers, newly diagnosed with HIV, retreat in fear because of stigma and discrimination. They were left behind, ignored by systems that were supposed to protect us. That reality did not just move me. It pushed me to act. I refused to stay quiet. I stepped up, not just for myself, but for every young person too afraid to take that first step.
I work in the HIV field because I believe we deserve more than sympathy or invisibility. We deserve healthcare that sees us, hears us and respects us. We deserve to be part of the solutions, not just the recipients of programmes. We have the strength, the voice and the vision to lead. I do this so that no young person feels alone, unheard or unworthy of care.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
My goal as an IAS change maker is to empower young people and foster an environment where they can create, lead and make a lasting impact – not only for peers like us, but for everyone. My long-term vision is to see Young Leaders making meaningful contributions and never being left behind. Let youth lead. Put young people first!