To raise awareness and support for those affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) and its subsidiaries came together for an asynchronous commemoration of World AIDS Day on December 7 and 9, 2023.

While each subsidiary conducted its program, the overarching goal remained: to educate, advocate, and provide access to resources for combating HIV/AIDS within their communities.

At the NAC Head Office (HO), a partnership with LoveYourself PH, a volunteer organization dedicated to HIV/AIDS advocacy and support, facilitated a face-to-face information, education, and communication (IEC) seminar.

Led by Ronald Bugarin, a LoveYourself Speaker and Coach, the seminar addressed common misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and highlighted support channels available to People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

Meanwhile, NAC Subsidiaries joined the program remotely via MS Teams, ensuring widespread participation and engagement.

Concurrent with NAC's initiative, Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC) collaborated with LoveYourself PH to host an educational seminar on HIV/AIDS, featuring resource speakers Jaziel M. Sinadjan and John Bryan N. Sagun.

Following the seminar, free HIV testing was offered to attendees, promoting access to crucial healthcare services within the community.

Similarly, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) organized its own IEC program to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

They were led by Maria Charise Beriada of Amos Tara, a community-centered organization funded by various partners, including Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., the Department of Health IV-B, and LoveYourself Inc..

The program aimed to educate employees and community members about the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Free HIV testing was also provided, ensuring accessibility to essential healthcare services.

RTNMC's program concluded with a poignant candle-lighting ceremony, honoring the lives lost to HIV/AIDS and symbolizing solidarity with those affected by the disease.

The initiative comes at a critical time for the Philippines, with the 2022 Global AIDS Monitoring Report revealing alarming increases in new infections and AIDS-related deaths across all age groups.

In the face of these challenges, World AIDS Day serves as a global call to action, uniting UN member states in their efforts to raise awareness and provide support to PLHIV.

As Nickel Asia Corporation and its subsidiaries continue their commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement, initiatives like these demonstrate the power of collaboration and collective action in addressing pressing health issues and fostering inclusive, supportive communities.