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The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking 7 – Anti-Child Pornography – Violence Against Women and Children (IACAT 7-ACP-VAWC) headed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the Vice-chair recently commemorated this year’s World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT).

Youth Advocates of Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors (FORGE) Inc. lead in the opening of the 2019 World Day Against Trafficking though their interpretative doxology and the singing of the National Anthem.

This year’s celebration of WDAT carries the theme: “Isang Bayan, Isang Paninindigan Laban sa Trafficking ng Mamamayan” that highlights the gains, as well as reinforce the alliances and partnerships among government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sectors in the fight against human trafficking.

To raise more awareness on human trafficking and to promote protection of the rights of victims of trafficking, the member agencies of IACAT 7-ACP-VAWC, together with the DSWD-7, conducted the following activities as part of the WDAT celebration: Radio Guesting, Launching of Trafficking and Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) Legal Aid Project with Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Pitchfest Hackathon contest on Innovative Solution to Combat OSEC and the mobile caravan of different local government units in region 7.

During the regional celebration of WDAT on July 30, 2019, partner stakeholders from different sectors were awarded for their contribution in eliminating human trafficking across region 7.

The recognition of awardees on the search for Best Transport and Shipping Company, Best Private Establishment, Best Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), and Best Provincial/Local Government Unit (P/LGU) advocating the campaign on anti-human trafficking was the highlight of the WDAT celebration.

The launching and ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Trafficking and OSEC Legal Aid Partnership was also part of the event celebration with Atty. Regal Umali of Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City Chapter, Regional Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane of Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking 7-Anti-Child Pornography-Violence Against Women and Children (IACAT 7-ACP-VAWC), Atty. John Tanagho and Atty. Lucille Dejito from International Justice Mission (IJM) who commit to render legal services for victims of trafficking.

A symbolic commitment to fight human trafficking unified the participants through a community singing of the song ‘I Am but a Small Voice’ which concluded the Regional Celebration of the 2019 World Day Against Trafficking. ###

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