Participating LGUs were chosen by the DSWD Field Office IV-A after the results of the initial assessment of the agency on the functionality of local social welfare and development offices (LSWDOs) in the region. The 25 LGUs are those found to be not well equipped about the Anti-Trafficking Law and the proper handling of trafficking cases.
The said training was conducted in partnership with the Department of Justice (DOJ) who provided a discussion on the Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Law. This law institutes policies in eliminating trafficking in persons, establishing mechanisms for the protection and support of victim-survivors and providing penalties for violators.
According to Atty. Joseph Comilang, representative from the DOJ and also a resource person during the training, the DOJ is continuously providing technical assistance to agencies, particularly on educating staff on the proper handling of trafficking cases.
“Malaking tulong ang training na ito sa amin para mas maayos pa naming mabigyan ng serbisyo ang mga biktima ng trafficking sa kanya-kanya naming lugar,” said Mildred Delos Santos, social worker from San Narciso, Quezon Province.
The law mandates the DSWD to provide rehabilitative and protective services for trafficked persons including counseling and temporary shelters. The LGUs, on the other hand, are tasked to monitor and document cases of trafficking in their areas and provide services to trafficked persons through the LSWDOs.
Under the DSWD’s Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons, the victim-survivors are provided with legal, transportation, subsistence and livelihood assistance towards their recovery and reintegration to their respective families and communities.# with reports from LBallon