Governor Bong Lacson called for united and collective vigilance against human trafficking during the Capacity Development Sessions on Addressing Trafficking in Persons, held at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City, yesterday (July 19).
The activity was organized by the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking, Child Pornography and Violence Against Women (PCAT-CP-VAWC), and participated in by advocates, focal persons, and government employees from various cities and municipalities of the province, who work to address trafficking in persons and violence against women and children.
“I am taking this opportunity to call on every Negrenses and all sectors, agencies and stakeholders, to be more aware and observant for it is only with our united and collective vigilance that we can effectively help eradicate this societal menace in our midst,” said Gov. Lacson.
The governor also said that he is hopeful that the activity will increase the knowledge and capacities on how to address human trafficking, as the kind of exploitation to be addressed is intricate and manifold.
Atty. Andrea Lizares-Si, chair of the Provincial Council for Women discussed about R.A. 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, and R.A. 11862, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
Also present in the activity were Board Member Rita Gatuslao, OFW Provincial Federation president, Salvacion Barrios, and PSWDO OIC Merle Garcia, among others.
Gov. Lacson, and invited guest, AJ Suplico Frondoza of Bago City, who was named the “100th Million Pinoy”, led the symbolic commitment ritual to protect Negrense children and women against human trafficking and other forms of abuse, as part of the event.
