In a message read by DSWD Field Office Eight Regional Director Nestor Ramos during the Press Launch of the Victim’/Survivor – Centered Counter – Trafficking Project of the Immigration Organization for Migration (IOM), Secretary Corazon Juliano “Dinky” Soliman stated that “as co – chair of the Inter – Agency Committee on Anti – Trafficking (IACAT) and as the lead in social protection, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is one with you in the crusade to put a stop to trafficking, which is fast becoming a global concern.
Further, the Secretary said, “ we are cognizant that everybody is susceptible to become victims of human trafficking. Everyone is at risk, most especially, the women and children in areas hard – hit by disasters such as Typhoon Yolanda. “ Director Ramos read the message before United States Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, who was in Leyte, timely to witness the 70th Leyte Landing Anniversary of the United States Allied Forces.
IOM Philippines Chief of Mission, Marco Boasso, in his message called on member – agencies of the Regional Inter-Agency on Anti-Trafficking present, to “increase our work.” He emphasized that its not about protecting children but preventing through awareness that matters most.”
In an interview, Director Ramos revealed that as part of the agency’s response to Yolanda, the DSWD through its Recovery and Re – integration Program for Trafficked Persons has conducted a training on counter trafficking among school educators and another for service providers on the establishment of a help desk, as well as advocacy for a in municipalities affected by the super typhoon.
Also, the DSWD Field Office has organized trainings on Pyscho-social recovery and Economic Re-integration of Trafficked Persons for Social workers. In addition, it has formulated a trainng tool for assessment on the functionality of the IACAT – VAWC.
As of to date, there were 50 cases served since January of this year, with 16 persons extended financial assistance. #