Story by John Laurence Teologo
A colorful community is not defined by how different its people are. It is defined by how everyone is welcomed, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.
This Pride Month, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) celebrates the people who make our communities stronger through courage, compassion, and service. Through its HIV programs, PROTECTS (Philippines Response in Optimizing Testing, Empowered Communities, Treatment and Sustainability) and PROTECTS UPSCALE (Upscaling Programs and Services to the Communities Affected by and Living with HIV to End the Epidemic), PSFI continues to support community-led solutions that promote inclusion, dignity, and access to life-saving healthcare.
Among those leading this work is Basha Cancillar, Regional Program Officer of Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), a sub-recipient of the PROTECTS UPSCALE grant. Through her role, she helps oversee service delivery and field operations for communities affected by and living with HIV.
For Basha, this work is deeply personal.
Finding Purpose Through Service
Basha’s journey into HIV advocacy began with what seemed like a simple invitation to attend a barangay awareness session.
At just 18 years old, she stepped into HIV work carrying the same fears and uncertainties experienced by many young members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Walang nagse-step up kasi HIV program na, LGBTQIA+ ka pa.”
But witnessing the impact of stigma and late diagnosis changed her perspective. What began as curiosity evolved into a lifelong commitment to helping others access the care, information, and support they deserve.
Today, that commitment continues to shape the lives of countless individuals across the communities she serves.
When Inclusion Means Being Seen
For Basha, inclusion is more than a principle. It is something people should experience every day.
“Lahat dapat nakaka-access. Regardless of age, socioeconomic status, at gender identity.”
She believes that meaningful inclusion begins when people are given the opportunity to participate, learn, and contribute.
“Isama niyo ako sa mga training, kahit sa sahig, basta ma-capacitate ako.”
Through partnerships with organizations like SHIP, PSFI supports community-led approaches that ensure programs are informed by the lived experiences of the very people they seek to serve. By placing communities at the center of solutions, services become more responsive, accessible, and effective.
Reaching Communities with Care and Compassion
From her early days as a volunteer to her current leadership role, Basha has worked across different areas of HIV response, including community outreach, counseling promotion, case management, training, and policy advocacy.
Her lived experience allows her to connect with people on a deeper level.
Many individuals seeking support face challenges that extend beyond healthcare. Stigma, discrimination, mental health concerns, and social isolation often create additional barriers to accessing services.
Recognizing these realities, PROTECTS UPSCALE supports initiatives that promote holistic and inclusive care, ensuring that people receive support not only for their medical needs but also for their overall well-being.
Building Safe Spaces Where People Belong
One of the most significant changes Basha has witnessed is the growing trust between communities and healthcare providers.
“Dati, kami ang lumalapit. Ngayon, sila na ang lumalapit, humihingi ng serbisyo.”
“May safe space na sila. May pupuntahan na sila.”
Through community outreach, referral networks, gender-sensitive healthcare approaches, and competency training for service providers, more individuals are finding safe spaces where they can seek help without fear of judgment.
These efforts are helping create environments where people feel respected, heard, and empowered to take charge of their health.
A Future Where Everyone Belongs
Despite the progress achieved, Basha knows there is still work to be done. Her vision extends beyond healthcare access. It is about building communities where every person is treated with dignity and respect.
“Gusto ko ng healthcare na walang ‘pero’—walang limitasyon sa kung sino ang pwedeng makinabang.”
She dreams of a future where stigma no longer prevents people from seeking care, where schools and communities are safe for everyone, and where differences are embraced rather than feared.
Most of all, she hopes that future generations will no longer have to face the same barriers that many experience today.
“Ayoko darating yung araw na may susunod na henerasyon na mararanasan pa rin ito.”
Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka
At PSFI, we believe that every person has a role in building stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.
Through PROTECTS and PROTECTS UPSCALE, and together with partners like SHIP, we continue to support programs that expand access to healthcare, strengthen community leadership, and empower individuals to live with dignity and hope.
Because when people are seen, heard, and represented, communities become stronger.
Because everyone deserves a place where they belong.
Makulay ang mundo, dahil bahagi ka.
