The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office (FO) Caraga led the Culmination Activity for the National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month and the Celebration for World Day against Trafficking, at the SM Events Center in Butuan City on July 29, 2023

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The event aimed to recognize the efforts of the members of the Local Committee on Anti-trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) as well as the members of the committee who are partners of victim-survivors in the pursuit of justice. This has resulted in the Philippines being recognized as a Tier 1 Level country by the US Department Trafficking in Persons Report for eight consecutive years.

Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte Provincial Inter-Agency Committe on Anti-trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (PICAT-VAWC) recevied Highly Functional in the LCAT-VAWC Functionality Assessment 2024.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Ms. Razel Montemor delivered a message on behalf of Gov. Santi Cane Jr., urging the duty-bearers fighting against trafficking in persons to continue their efforts. Montemor emphasized the need for shared commitment to empower the most vulnerable among us, encouraging women and children to stand up for themselves and refuse to hide in silence. She called for action and cooperation to strengthen the cause, stating, “Every action we take today shapes a safer tomorrow.”

The event was attended by member agencies of the Regional Inter-agency Committee on Anti-trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC), showing a strong collaborative effort in the fight against trafficking.

Although the month-long celebration has ended, the commitment of the inter-agencies composing RIACAT-VAWC to continue working for the protection and rehabilitation of the victim-survivors of trafficking in persons remains steadfast.