Defying church, Cebu health execs distribute condoms

Despite appeals from the Catholic Church, Cebu City health officials are distributing some 10,000 condoms reportedly to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). A report by dzBB radio’s Cebu affiliate Monday quoted Cebu City epidemiologist Dr. Ilia Tag-an as saying in distributing the condoms, they are giving priority to sex workers and HIV-infected people. Tag-an said this was part of the city government’s campaign to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. However, she stressed the condoms are only part of the city health department’s overall efforts against HIV-AIDS. She said the city health department is also promoting abstinence and faithfulness among couples. Earlier, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked the Department of Health (DOH) not to give away condoms on Valentine’s Day, as it could promote premarital sex. Last year, then Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral drew flak from the CBCP for distributing condoms to stop the spread of HIV-AIDS. – VVP, GMA News