MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) received an award from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for its anti-human trafficking campaign, the agency announced on Friday, September 2.
The DSWD is implementing an initiative called Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP). The program provides a comprehensive package of services ranging from reporting to rehabilitation.
From 2011 to June 2016, the agency has served a total of 9,380 victims. For the second quarter of 2016, RRPTP has served 362 clients, providing them with services that include temporary shelter, livelihood assistance, skills training, psycho-social counselling, transportation assistance, financial assistance, medical assistance, educational assistance, and referral to other agencies.
In the first semester of 2016, the DSWD was able to serve 850 trafficked people.
For this quarter, DSWD-Field Office (FO) IX served the highest number of clients with 95 victim-survivors, followed by FO NCR with 87 and FO III with 57 clients.
For 2017, RRTP targets to serve 2,000 victims of trafficking with an approved budget of about P24 million, 7% higher than in 2016.
War vs human traffickers
In her acceptance message, DSWD Undersecretary Mae Fae Templa said the Duterte administration is committed in the war against human traffickers and their recruiters who prey on the vulnerable, like migrant workers.
She noted that human trafficking is recognized as a transnational crime because of its actual and potential effects across national borders.
Templa noted that the Philippines continues to be highly affected by this crime, being used as a source as well as a transit point.
Templa added that the recent Tier 1 ranking of the Philippines in the United States 2016 Global Trafficking in Persons (GTIP) Report is a major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking.
She emphasized that the combined efforts of the government and other stakeholders have contributed to the milestone.
“We join all partners and other stakeholders in celebrating this milestone. Continue the fight against human trafficking.” – Rappler.com