The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the vice-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking 7-Anti-Child Pornography-Violence Against Women and Children (IACAT 7-ACP-VAWC), led the celebration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme “Use and Abuse of Technology” on 30 July 2022, at SM Seaside, Cebu City.

The major co-organizers are Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and APPROACH, a non-governmental organization.

OIC-Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, CESO IV of DSWD Field Office VII, officially opened the celebration through an advocacy and awarding program together with partners who share the responsibility of ending this worldwide concern.

“We, at DSWD and other agencies, continue to raise awareness about the ills of human trafficking and the damage it creates to our society. We must strengthen our collaboration among our members, duty bearers, and other stakeholders in creating a safe space and environment for the vulnerable,” said Lucero in her welcome remarks.

She urged everyone, including the private sector, to be cautious in using modern technology, such as the easy access to information online and the accessibility to many facets of society where trafficking can possibly take place.

DSWD advocates the protection of vulnerable girls, such as the shelter provided by Home for Girls—DSWD’s residential care facility taking care of children below 18 years old.

During the coffee table talk with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Ligaya G. Dael, center head of the Home for Girls, shared that they initiated several activities for children, including online safety.

Nowadays, accessing information online can be dangerous with the internet, and perpetrators are widely using this medium to exploit vulnerable women and children. “Although they are in rehabilitation, this should not stop our children from learning. We provide them with supervised and controlled gadgets that are solely for learning,” Dael shared.

They also promote awareness among clients in the center. One of these is the forum, which discusses good touch versus bad touch. As a result, this has become an effective communication with children who have sensitive experiences while going through sexual development and identity as they begin to explore their own bodies.

With the celebration centered on promoting awareness of human trafficking, DSWD, together with its partners, calls for everyone to be responsible and take up roles in the fight against abuse and exploitation of vulnerable women and children, especially since the internet is widely used. ###

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