The provincial government of Negros Occidental yesterday marked the World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT) in Persons with a Blue Heart Campaign, a walk around the Capitol environs, and a program at the Activity Center of the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.
Spearheaded by the Provincial Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography, and Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-CP-VAWC), the WDAT culmination was attended by more than 200 stakeholders from various sectors.
Officers of the Council of Child Representatives, ERPAT or Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities and Talents, and Provincial Council for Women also attended the event.
Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chair of the committee on women and family and co-chair of the PCAT-CP-VAWC, led the heart formation at the Capitol Lagoon Park and the walk along the Capitol area.
Provincial Council For Women chairperson Andrea Lizares-Si read the message of Gatuslao who underscored “the need to protect the children and to fight tirelessly until every child is free from the threat of trafficking”.
In his message read by Charina Magallanes-Tan, PCAT member and head of the Promotion and Information Section, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on all stakeholders to help end human trafficking, which is a modern-day slavery.
Fiscal Stephanie Grace Apsay spoke about various anti-trafficking laws, including Republic Acts 11862, 10364 and 9208.
A panel discussion moderated by Marie June Castro, action officer of the Provincial GAD Focal Point System, featured Arnel Sigue, lawyer of the first anti-trafficking case involving a Negrense which secured a conviction; Dionela Flores-Madrona of the Philippines Against Child Trafficking; Ma. Berjane Salvio-Roa of the Voice of the Free; and PCapt. Wilma Silva of the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.
The guests shared their experiences in handling trafficking in person cases as well as the various programs and services to address or prevent human trafficking.
Educating the youth and the community came on top of the list of suggestions from almost all speakers.
Board Member Mayvelyn Madrid, president of the Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, thanked the various stakeholders for the importance given to the youth and for giving them spaces, and for allowing their voices to be heard.
Board Member Richard Julius Sablan, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, whose closing message was read by a representative, urged everyone to continue the fight against human trafficking by utilizing the social media to amplify impact and bring about meaningful change. ||
