The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) surpassed its program targets in 2025 after serving 54 trafficked persons (TIPs) and children affected by Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
Of the total clients served, 40 were female and 14 were male, all of whom received aftercare and psychosocial services, underscoring the Field Office’s commitment to trauma-informed and survivor-centered interventions.
Beyond psychosocial support, RRPTP extended targeted financial and material assistance to support survivors’ recovery and reintegration. This included auxiliary services such as accommodation, transportation, and meals during court proceedings for four (4) clients amounting to ₱45,000, educational assistance to 19 clients totaling ₱144,080, and livelihood assistance for eight (8) clients amounting to ₱80,000. In total, ₱321,000 in subsidies was fully utilized to ensure timely and appropriate support for beneficiaries.
To strengthen protection efforts, DSWD Caraga conducted five rescue operations across the region—two in Buenavista, and one each in Sison, Bayabas, and Butuan—leading to the identification, rescue, and immediate provision of assistance to trafficked persons and OSAEC victims.
In line with its victim-centered approach, the Field Office also conducted the 3rd Batch of Videotaped In-depth Disclosure Interviews (VIDI) to minimize re-traumatization during case documentation. Home visitations were carried out to monitor clients’ progress, assess their well-being, and provide follow-up support, while courtesy calls to Barangay LGUs helped strengthen referral mechanisms and community-based protection for TIP cases.
Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga expressed appreciation to partner agencies and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
“The gains we have achieved in protecting trafficked persons and OSAEC victims are a testament to the strong collaboration among government agencies, local government units, law enforcement, and civil society partners. We thank our partners for standing with us in protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that survivors are given the chance to heal, recover, and rebuild their lives,” Dir. Dollaga said.
DSWD Field Office Caraga reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a whole-of-nation approach in combating human trafficking and online sexual abuse while strengthening systems for the protection, recovery, and reintegration of survivors.
