The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI through its Community-Based Services Section provided enriching sessions on anti-trafficking and violence against women and children (VAWC) to local implementers during the two-day event organized by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) XI, the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC), and local government units (LGUs) of Mati, Davao Oriental, and Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental on January 25-26, 2024, and January 30-31, 2024 respectively.

The barangay officials and VAWC desk officers from both LGUs participated in the sessions which covered topics, such as the legal framework and policies on anti-trafficking and VAWC, the roles of the local CAT-VAWC members, the referral system for handling cases, reporting, and monitoring tools.

Facilitated by DSWD resource persons, including Ms. Jovelyn M. Trajano of IACAT-VAWC; Ms. Gladys A. Credo, Recovery And Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) Focal Person; Ms. Sherlyn Concubierta, Focal Person for Women; and Mr. Dan Niel O. Salvador, SHIELD Focal Person; the activity helped the local implementers understand the depth of their roles as the frontline workers in combatting trafficking and violence. 

Participants expressed appreciation and commitment to applying what they learned, emphasizing its value in improving their skills. The event also strengthened collaboration among various stakeholders working on preventing and responding to trafficking and violence. 

The Department commended local government units for ensuring that residents were informed about laws protecting women and children. This successful initiative marks a significant step in empowering local communities to effectively address and combat trafficking and violence. (DSWD FO XI/EMCJr) 

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