Our Story

The Philippines is one of only 7 countries in the world with increasing rates of HIV greater than 25%. In August of 2010, there were approximately 4 new infections per day. In August 2011 there was another person diagnosed with HIV about every 3 hours of every day and the rate is increasing at an alarming rate. We face many challenges here in stemming the spread of the virus, but the biggest problem by far is stigma. 

Filipinos with HIV are ostracized from their families, fired from their jobs, and in rural villages can be victims of heinous violence against them and their families.  We already maintain an aggressive online anti-stigma campaign. But to reach the outlying villages, middle age and lower income people, we need nationwide TV, radio and print ads.  Due to a lack of laws requiring broadcast networks to run public service announcements, the networks charge full corporate rates - even for non-profits like The No Day But Today Project.  This is a financial mountain too big for anyone here to climb.

The No Day But Today Project has three main parts:

   1.   To provide Filipinos with companions for testing and treatment. Many people won't get tested on their own because of the fear of being seen.  So our "guides" take them to clinics where they will be more comfortable and receive thorough and proper counseling to encourage behavior change as well as regular voluntary testing on their own.  This is a proven and effective service we provide.  In fact, it was our very beginning.

   2.   To fight the stigma that prevents people from regular, voluntary testing, we use social media, public events, media interviews, blogs and our website to educate Filipinos about HIV with the intended result of stigma reduction.  This also has proven to be highly effective.  Stigma is caused by fear, and the only solution is education.

   3.   To promote mental, emotional and spiritual wellness in Filipinos living with HIV through programs at the No Day But Today Wellness Center.  Our programs include one-on-one counseling, HIV support groups, guided meditation classes, and a growing network of medical and mental health professionals providing services for little or no charge to those we refer. All of our workshops and support groups are aimed at developing spirituality, while addressing the emotional component of the mind-body connection.

The Impact: Case Studies

In a remote village in northern Luzon, lived a person infected with HIV.  Word spread around the village, and the villagers were incited to violence.  In the middle of the night, as everyone slept, villagers set fire to the house killing the entire family.

Keith is a professional in the publishing industry.  Two years ago he developed strange flu-like symptoms.  When he searched the internet he learned that his symptoms matched those of HIV infection.  But because of his job and his conservative family, he was afraid to get tested.  This year, Keith came to the No Day But Today Project for help to get tested.  His result was positive.  When the test of the strength of his immune system (CD4 test) came back, his was only 88.  He was already in AIDS condition and would never have known it without us.

During my own initial infection, a doctor told me that my HIV is a "just reward for a sinful life" and that I "need deliverance".  The doctor didn't know anything about me, how I was infected, or about the work I do to help other people.  He just judged me.

These are just a few stories of how stigma affects our situation in the Philippines.  If we can target outlying areas, low income people and people ages 40+, we can make a real difference not only in how people living with HIV are treated, but how people view responsible, regular, voluntary testing on their own.  Our target demographic are those who have limited or no access to the internet.  Maybe they're taxi drivers or farmers, middle aged or senior citizens or even employers, government or religious leaders.  Stigma is found everywhere.

Without aggressive stigma reduction campaigns, tens of thousands of Filipinos will continue to live in a prison of fear, afraid to disclose their status to even their closest friends and family for fear of how they will be treated.  This isolation and fear has physical repercussions as well.  Therefore, we believe that anti-stigma advertising will be an effective tool to improve the lives of people living with HIV, and to change the way everyone else sees us.

What We Need & What You Get

We are trying to raise $7,500 to produce our ads and buy airtime on the major TV and radio networks. This amount translates to almost Php350,000 - a significant amount of money in the Philippines.

In the event that our goal is not reached, or more than the goal is raised, the money raised will be applied to the operating budget of the No Day But Today Project; specifically to support our Wellness Center where we hold our wide variety of services to people living with HIV.  

Other Ways You Can Help

In addition to your donations, we need your help spreading the word about the work we're doing.  We already utilize Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and the No Day But Today website, and we're constantly working to expand our reach to help us remain a sustainable, valuable resource for Filipinos living with and affected by HIV.  Please share us with your friends and get them involved too!