The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) in partnership with Health Action Information Network (HAIN) and TLF Share Collective with the support from Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) organized a consultation workshop on the National Composite Policy Index (NCPI) last October 25, 2007 at the Bayview Park Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The activity was attended by fourteen (14) regional participants and twenty-five (25) Metro Manila representatives from the non-government organizations. Participants have been pre-selected on the basis of their active involvement in Pinoy UNGASS, PNAC, the Global Fund Project, and UNAIDS at least for three years on the prevention of STI/HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.

The event generated inputs and reflections from civil society organizations on the development and implementation of national AIDS policies and strategies for the UNGASS Country Progress Report. Highlights of the discussion includes level of awareness on the RA 8504 or AIDS Law and related policies, collaboration with government agencies and assessment on efforts made for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the country.

NGOs were aware of the existence of RA 8504 but information on specific provisions and related policies are not widely circulated nor popularized. The participants cited that while the law states that it applies to all individuals, it also does not explicitly state that it ensures equal access of most-at-risk populations, and of women and men, to prevention and care services.

They also shared varied experiences working with local government units (LGUs) and local government officials (LGOs). Some have positive experiences while others encounter difficulties with LGUs and with LGOs who are indifferent or are even hostile to programs on HIV and AIDS, especially those that have discriminatory attitudes towards specific groups.

As a whole, all agreed that while there are already many programs and activities being conducted all over the country, more efforts still need to be undertaken, coordinated and sustained at the national and local levels by the national government, the local government units, civil society and other stakeholders. They emphasized that the national government has to demonstrate firmer commitment, allocate resources and support to HIV and AIDS programs.