THEY really started in January.
But I think we can all call that a soft opening.
Last week, they had a relaunching.
Or, as I call it, a rededication.
I’m talking about the Balay Kaalwan Project of the Family Planning of the Philippines (FPOP) Iloilo Chapter.
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They have another story for the word “kaalwan” that is pushing for the idea of nobility.
I will content our understanding with the more common idea of generosity.
I suppose nobility can be generous; but in the 2020s, that’s difficult to prove.
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In a nutshell, Balay Kaalwan is a halfway house; a halfway home, if you will.
Where people can have temporary shelter like a sanctuary from domestic (and/or gender-based) violence, or like a Christmas inn for weary travelers in Bethlehem.
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I became friends with FPOP because I wanted PrEP medication against HIV.
If they’re giving the meds to me for free, the least I can do to give back is to help them with their advocacies.
And so, while my main focus are campaigns for regular HIV testing and adherence to PrEP meds, I am also sensitive to their other efforts to help Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV).
Balay Kaalwan is one of these projects; although the halfway house is not limited to PLHIVs.
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FPOP has this vision of being a one-stop shop where people can go and get help.
Follow this picture, but especially thinking of a PLHIV—
Tests are rather expensive at clinics, or the lines are much longer.
One can die undiagnosed.
Free testing is available at FPOP.
If your blood is drawn in the morning, the result can be available a few hours later in the afternoon.
And you can immediately be started on medication therapy.
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If you are tested positive for HIV, and confirmed with a few more tests, you are now in status “captured.”
Once captured, the AIDS Prevention Program directs FPOP to “enrol” you in a treatment program.
You will be given counseling, antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapy, and other services… all for free.
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Fast forward: What if you are battered, or sent away by your own family because of your HIV status?
Then, you have a place to go.
That’s what Balay Kaalwan is for.
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Fast rewind: What if you came in late from a provincial town away from the city to get tested, and missed the morning cut off for blood laboratory?
What if you don’t have the money to get yourself a hotel room in the city?
Then, you have a place to go.
That’s what the Balay Kaalwan is for.
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But I also said that Balay Kaalwan is not exclusive to PLHIV.
The living spaces (they got several rooms the last time I checked) can also be used by members of the community—women, transgenders, youth, and I supposed children—that are most vulnerable to domestic violence.
That’s why I call it a sanctuary.
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The difference between Balay Kaalwan and DSWD offices?
As I see it, the fast track.
The lines are shorter at Balay.
And although I don’t think the Balay play priorities, I believe that members of the LGBTQIA+ community have a special “secret card” here.
And if the Balay play priorities at all, I think it is for the most marginalized and disadvantaged PLHIV.
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In the future, I’d like to make a detailed campaign for donations to Balay Kaalwan.
I’m thinking pillows, blankets, overnight clothes.
I’m also thinking canned goods, instant noodles, bags of rice.
I want to teach people to be generous.
And while I appreciate millions and cash, I really think that we should teach people how to help with what they can.
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In America, I am rather quick to donate my old toasters, coffee makers, microwaves, washing machines, winter clothes, and shoes to charities that help the disadvantaged groups.
I think that can be replicated here in Iloilo.
You only have to visit an ukay-ukay store, or a that thrift store on Aldeguer Street so see what P500 can buy.
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Most of my friends, they can donate P5,000 easily.
But I’m still encouraging more ordinary people to give P500 to a good cause.
Me, I feel so good being able to give even if it’s just P300.
(But you know that I’m more comfortable giving P30,000.)
Giving makes me feel more generous.
And in a word, Noble./PN
