The city government of San Carlos thru the San Carlos City Children and Women’s Affairs Inc. joined the culmination of the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Person-Blue Heart’s Campaign yesterday, Jul. 30, at Ayala Capitol Central Event Center, Bacolod City.
Anchored on the theme: Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon sa Bagong Pilipinas, Tapusin ang Human Trafficking Ngayon!, the event was participated by Women’s Associations, Children Representatives, SK Federations, and Empowerment Reaffirmation Paternal Abilities and Talent (ERPAT) members.
Provincial Council for Women Chairperson Atty. Andrea Si on behalf of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chair Committee on Women Rita S. Gatuslao stressed that children bring hope for the future, yet, they are part of the vulnerable sectors that are at risk of exploitation and trafficking, underscoring the importance of collaboration particularly in the community to dismantle the case.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s message was also conveyed through the Head of Promotion and Information Section Charina Tan, which said that technology and digitalization might make life easier and faster, but also open new methods of abuse to our vulnerable sector, especially children.
He added that because of economic hardship many Filipino families are compelled into online trafficking to survive, making the Philippines one of the world’s hotspots for livestream sexual abuse.
Gatuslao and Lacson underline that trafficking has become a threat to human decency and urge everyone to collaborate in eradicating such cases and leaving no child behind by raising awareness, addressing the root cause of human trafficking, and providing survivors with comprehensive care.
Provincial Prosecutor Dept. of Justice, Provincial Police Officer, the Department of Interior and Local Government Unit-Negros Occidental, the National Bureau of Investigation, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, and the Promotion Information Section also showed support for the campaign through their solidarity messages.
Prosecution Atty. Office of the Provincial Prosecutor DOJ Bacolod City Fiscal Stephanie Grave Apsay also lectured the participants on RA 11862 Or an Act Strengthening the Policies on Anti-Trafficking in Persons, Providing Penalties for its Violations, and Appropriating Funds Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; and RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012; a panel discussion on addressing Human Trafficking also took place.
The Provincial Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography and Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-CP-VAWC) facilitated the event.
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