The San Pedro AIDS Commission (SPAC) has completed its community beautification project on the fence/wall of the southern side of the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School (SPRC). The object saw the repainting of the wall white, with bright colorful messages on HIV/AIDS awareness painted on top. The project is meant to give a new look to the heavily trafficked alley that was covered in unsightly graffiti. Over the course of the beatification project, vandals defaced the paintings, causing setbacks and increasing the cost. Now that it is finally complete, SPAC urges everyone to care for the wall and to condemn vandalism.
“This project is part of our educational awareness campaign as well, so that the community is sensitized about the importance of learning the facts about HIV/AIDS. We hope that through this medium we can eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with this disease. Our group gets its funds through the many fundraisers we do throughout the year, and by dues that the members pay. In order to carry out this project, we received several donations from the community. But this project is worthless if people do not care for the wall and allow vandals to destroy the beauty of it,” said President of SPAC, Felix Ayuso.
Ayuso explained that they have had to face several vandalism incidents where rude/vulgar messages were written over the newly painted wall. “I really hope that we come together as a community and learn to care for what is ours. What message are we giving if we continue to destroy everything we have? We need to that pride in our community and clean up our act. Vandalism should not be tolerated,” said Ayuso. SPAC hopes that their plea is heard and that the project is well received and cared for.
Local artist, Pablito Guerrero was in charge of painting the child friendly HIV/AIDS awareness messages on the wall. SPAC received support from The Chocolate Boutique, He Intends Victory, Tacogirl.com, San Pedro Lions Club, and San Pedro Cancer Society. “We are thankful for the support given to the SPAC by the local businesses and individuals who help us achieve our goals. This particular beautification project was made possible with funds that we gathered from the Carnaval Comparsa and the generous donations that everyone gave us,” said Ayuso.
Anyone who witnesses persons vandalizing the wall is asked to contact the San Pedro Police Department at 206-2022 or contact the San Pedro AIDS Commission 663-9922.
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