Photo by: Jayson FerarizaLopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI) recently ended its term as private sector representative in the Philippine Country Coordinating Mechanism (PCCM) of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM).

The GFATM is a private sector-driven mechanism to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, multiple-drug-resistant tuberculosis and malaria, while the PCCM is the main mechanism that provides oversight for grant implementation. The PCCM is headed by the Department of Health under the Bureau of International Health Cooperation.

During the PCCM’s 10th partnership forum at the City State Towers Hotel in Manila, LGFI president and executive director Cedie Lopez Vargas’ message as outgoing PCCM member touched on the need to continue with the Lopez legacy of service.

In her speech, which was read by Carlos Campos of LGFI, Vargas said: “…Let us continue to walk our talk. It has been the Lopez Group’s motto to be of service to the Filipinos worldwide. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of giving voice to the voiceless, in empowering the underserved and giving equal opportunity to the neglected.”

This, Vargas added, is LGFI’s legacy to its colleagues in the PCCM.

LGFI joined the PCCM in 2010 and served for two consecutive terms. The foundation ended its term as chair of the Key Affected Population committee as well as representative of the rotating members in the oversight committee. (Story by Faith Bacon)