VECO Mapping through Community-Based Screening (CBS)

The LAKAN Network, Venue, Event, Clan Online (VECO) Mapping initiatives began through SHIP, which introduced the activity and provided the Key Informant (KI) forms still in use today. Initially, VECO Mapping was primarily discussed in planning meetings led by Sir Jhoms, the former Program Manager of LAKAN. The planned process involved monitoring map locations using color codes; once an area was fully marked in red, the team would transition to the next location. While early efforts focused heavily on theoretical planning rather than field application, these discussions built a foundational understanding of how to identify locations and plan outreach.

Eventually, VECO Mapping transitioned from theory to actual field implementation, becoming a critical tool to identify locations where key populations (KPs) can be reached for HIV prevention, awareness, and related services. It allowed the team to apply their training and gather actionable information directly from the community.

Challenges

During field implementation, the mapping team faced low community participation, difficulty engaging specific key populations, heavy rain, restricted access to target locations, transportation limitations, and insufficient outreach supplies. These challenges emphasized the need for flexible planning, strong coordination, adequate resources, accurate documentation, and strict confidentiality in community-based outreach.

Success Stories and Indicators 

Despite the challenges, the mapping activities successfully engaged key informants and identified new public spaces for future outreach. From August 2025 to July 2026, the team conducted VECO Mapping across Bulacan, Tarlac, and nearby areas, interviewing 155 key informants and distributing 22 HIV self-test kits. They also provided HIV education, condoms, free testing, and referrals while identifying key-population hotspots through on-site observations. These achievements reflect strong community engagement and reinforce the need for continued monitoring, follow-up, and coordination with community partners

Impact to Case Finding

VECO has strengthened the LAKAN Network's client identification strategy by moving beyond familiar locations and existing contacts. 

Since August 2025, the team has explored new areas, gathered real-time insights through KI interviews, identified service gaps and key hotspots, and created opportunities to promote HIV self-testing, condom use, PrEP, referrals, and facility-based services. This approach has made case finding and outreach planning more proactive, targeted, and data-driven. See photos here: VECO Mapping Photodocumentation