THE City Government of Tagbilaran, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), conducted an orientation seminar on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (A-TIP) and Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (AVAWC) on November 17, 2024, at JJ’s Seafood Village in Tagbilaran City.
The event gathered representatives from various tricycle operators and drivers’ associations, as well as tourist transport groups, recognizing their role as community partners in preventing and addressing these societal issues.
The seminar featured two key speakers: Janice Sofia Talip, Project Coordinator of End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT) Philippines, who discussed trafficking in persons, and Dyan Claire Lapeceros of the CSWDO, who covered the topic of violence against women and children.
CSWDO Officer-in-Charge Ms. Angelina Costan opened the event by emphasizing its purpose: to raise awareness and equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to help combat trafficking and violence within their spheres of influence.
Mayor Jane Yap commended the participants for their proactive involvement, stating, “Our fight against trafficking and violence requires the collective efforts of everyone in our community. By educating and empowering key sectors such as our transport groups, we strengthen our defenses against these threats and ensure a safer and more secure Tagbilaran for all.”
She added that this initiative is vital in ensuring the safety and protection of land transport passengers, especially women, who are often the most vulnerable in these situations.
This activity reflects the City Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and fostering a community that upholds the dignity and safety of its residents.
